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Indigenous Data Sovereignty

Traditional Knowledge

Traditional knowledge refers to information, skills, and practices developed within a community. This knowledge is passed down through generations, often becoming an integral part of the identity of the cultural group. Traditional knowledge is one subset of the data included within data sovereignty.

Traditional Knowledge (TK) Labels

TK Labels are a tool used to protect the data sovereignty of Indigenous traditional knowledge. They are labels used to communicate the significance and purpose of Indigenous traditional knowledge sources. These labels are attached to recorded cultural heritage that is being used and accessed by non-Indigenous people to help these users understand the meaning of the resource to the community it originates from. Below is a list of currently used TK labels. 

  • TK Family
  • TK Seasonal
  • TK Outreach
  • TK Verified
  • TK Attribution
  • TK Community Use Only
  • TK Secret/Sacred
  • TK Women General
  • TK Women Restricted 
  • TK Men General 
  • TK Men Restricted
  • TK Noncommercial 
  • TK Commercial
  • TK Community Voice
  • TK Culturally Sensitive