ICIP Protocol

Western Sydney University is embarking on a mission to instil cultural best practice in management of collections containing Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property at the University.

This Protocol aims to ensure best practice management of the Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) held by the University in the form of art, cultural material, photographs, documents, archives and Library collections, and other examples of Indigenous cultural heritage. WSU is the caretaker of collections containing locally and nationally significant works by and relating to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The aim for this Protocol is to provide guidance to staff about how to engage with Indigenous Australians and these works.

This Protocol is a best practice guide to support staff in navigating the entwined pathways traversing Indigenous Knowledges, Practices, and ongoing colonial traumas. Western Sydney University respects ongoing Indigenous sovereignties, and it is our collective responsibility to hold with respect and care artistic, visual, oral and written representations as far as possible. Western Sydney University has these obligations as both a caretaker and guardian of the Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property in its collections.

The primary outcomes for this ICIP Protocol are:

• Respect the rights of Indigenous Australians as the Traditional Custodians of lands, seas, skies, knowledges, and living cultures
• Provide a clear and consistent approach to ensure uniform policy/procedure is in place for best practice management and protection of ICIP in the University collections
• Increase the cultural awareness and competency of students and staff working in collections at the University
• Supporting Indigenous Australians at the University, including the Elders Committee, the Indigenous Professoriate, Indigenous academic and professional staff, and students
• Ensuring cultural safety in relation to the appropriate management, handling and display of artworks, records, photographs, materials and other items incorporating ICIP within the University’s collections^.
• Provide a framework for the University and Indigenous Australians to discuss Indigenous Australian aspirations to the management of the University collections including feedback for improvement.

The development of this protocol has covered a multi-year consultation process including the Elders Advisory Committee, the Indigenous Professoriate group, the student and staff consultation groups, and the teams from the Collecting Business Units – Western Sydney Creative (the art collection), The Library and RAMS (the archive), the Office of General Counsel and the team at Terri Janke and Company.

This Protocol is endorsed by representatives from the Library, RAMS, and Western Sydney Creative. It sets best practice standards which may be applicable in other work areas across the University, however it is not binding or obligatory on those other areas.
This ICIP protocol is to be used by: 

WSU Collections Business Unit staff. This Protocol is a practical tool to guide staff managing collections through their regular day-to-day decision-making in relation to ICIP. Staff of business units that have signed up to this Protocol are expected to adhere to these standards.

WSU students engaging with collections. Several areas of study within the University may involve working with collections material incorporating ICIP. Where students engage with collections under the support and management of Collections Business Unit staff, they may refer to this Protocol for guidance. Staff of relevant business units should assist students to learn about and understand best practices for ICIP.

External parties. The Protocol and any associated guides and tools will also be useful for external parties engaging with WSU’s collections to understand what is expected of them.

Indigenous Australians. ICIP Protocols may also be useful tools for Indigenous peoples and communities, to assist them in understanding their rights. This Protocol supports Indigenous Australians when they work with the University collections to understand what they may expect, and to hold Collection Business Unit staff to account in relation to best practice working with ICIP.