International Indigenous Design Charter

The International Indigenous Design Charter is a protocol document providing guidance for respectful representation of Indigenous culture in design practice and education world-wide.

Evolving from the Australian Indigenous Design Charter (also created by the authors) this self-regulated guide offers a best practice protocols for designers (Indigenous and non-Indigenous). Its role is to assist design practitioners but it is also intended to promote understanding among their clients and the buyers of design (governments, corporations, businesses and not-for-profit organisations). It supports existing policies, protocols that ensure Indigenous rights, including intellectual property and the right to fair and informed negotiation and remuneration.

BY:

Dr Russell Kennedy: Deakin University - School of Communication and Creative Arts
Dr Meghan Kelly: Deakin University - School of Communication and Creative Arts
Mr Jefa Greenaway (Wailwan, Gamillaraay): Indigenous Architecture and Design Victoria
Prof Brian Martin (Muruwari, Bundjalung, Kamilaroi) in association with Deakin University Institute of Koorie Education.
Ms Elly Chatfield (Gamilaraay) in association with Deakin University Institute of Koorie Education.

Design Excellence

The IIDC offers ten steps of best practice to follow when working with Indigenous knowledge in professional communication design. It is a comprehensive document, developed in collaboration with multiple stakeholders including Deakin University’s Institute of Koorie Education (IKE), Indigenous Architecture and Design Victoria (IADV) and peak professional design bodies, the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and the International Council of Design (ico-D).

Design Impact

The IIDC is published as a Best Practice Document by the International Council of Design (ico-D).

“Schiavello Ganbu regards the Australian Indigenous Design Charter as a valuable best practice document” Kyle Vander-Kuyp (Woromi and Yuin), Indigenous Engagement Manager, Schiavello Ganbu (2018).

“The Charter has becomes a really useful document to normalise an understanding of the richness of culture and how Indigenous knowledge systems run parallel in equal value to Western knowledge” Jefa Greenaway, Lecturer – Indigenous Curriculum Development, The University of Melbourne (2018).

“The Australian Indigenous Design Charter provides an invaluable resource for our students and teaching staff” Gene Bawden Deputy Head Design (MADA) Monash University (2018).

Design Transformation

The International Indigenous Design Charter (IIDC), was developed through a consultation process involving a series of presentations and workshops around the globe - Sweden, Greenland, Denmark, Chile, Canada and the United States.

The process was endorsed by the International Council of Design and supported by the Australian Federal Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. View the video 'Ambassador Damien Miller on cultural grants'.

The first iteration of the (IIDC) was completed in in September 2017. The international launch took place at the World Design Summit in Montreal.

The Australian launch took place at the Koorie Heritage Trust in March 2018 as part of the NGV Melbourne Design Week.

Design Innovation

The globally recognised, International Indigenous Design Charter (IIDC) is the first document of its kind to specifically address the need to develop new tools and approaches for designers to respectfully and ethically engage with Indigenous knowledge in their professional practice.

The IIDC is a world best practice document that encourage designers to explore methods that replace pre-established colonial ideas with a paradigm of representation that fosters respectful, Indigenous-led cultural visibility. It is an open document, which aims to encourage a climate of learning through active practice to guide designers to produce informed, authentic and respectful outcomes in the future.

Other key features

Schiavello Ganbu is an indigenous business, part of the larger Schiavello Group. We worked closely with design studio, Latitude and leaders of the Wurundjeri community to select a name and develop our new brand mark. We found the 10 step process easy to follow and were very happy with the results of what was an inclusive, collaborative and highly respectful process.

We see the Australian Indigenous Design Charter as a tool to help our actions meet our vision.

Kyle Vander Kuyup (Woromi)
Indigenous Engagement Manager, Schiavello Ganbu