In an effort to protect our intellectual property, on June 17, 2024, Siksika Nation filed for Trademark Protection over our Name (“Siksika Nation”) and Coat of Arms (logo) to the Registrar of Trademarks. By registering our trademarks, we gain the exclusive right to use of these intellectual property assets, which will allow the Nation to have greater control over cases of infringement and unauthorized use.
In Canada, there’s growing focus on how intellectual property (IP) laws intersect with protecting Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions. Canadian laws offer guidance on different types of IP, rights, criteria, and protection duration. Indigenous peoples, like Siksika Nation, are particularly interested in this because it can help protect our knowledge and culture, and assist in ensuring its proper use.
Siksika Nation Ohkinniinaa & Ninaaks invite you to join us in the important work of protecting Siksika Nation’s intellectual property. If anyone suspects unauthorized use of Siksika Nation’s intellectual property, please report it to Councillor Samuel Crowfoot by emailing samuelc@siksikanation.com.
For more information about Intellectual Property in Canada, and Indigenous rights, check out the following resources:
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Article 31.1 states: “Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions […]. They also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.”
The government of Canada’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development’s Intellectual Property Strategy, part of Canada’s overarching Innovation and Skills Plan:
The intersection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expression, and Intellectual Property – how Canada is approaching rights & protection:
