Guidelines
Principles of Ethical Representation
Core principles for anyone working with Indigenous cultural heritage — from accurate attribution to meaningful community benefit.
Read Guidelines →Standards & Protocols
Frameworks & Guidelines
Ethical standards, usage protocols, and legal references for engaging with Indigenous cultural heritage
NECIK develops and maintains frameworks that guide ethical engagement with Indigenous cultural heritage. These resources serve brands, institutions, researchers, and policymakers seeking to work respectfully and responsibly with traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.
Ethics
Ethical Representation Guidelines
Standards for respectful and accurate representation of Indigenous heritage
Framework
Community Consent Protocol
Guidelines for obtaining informed consent from Indigenous communities before using their cultural heritage in commercial or institutional contexts.
Read Protocol →Checklist
Ethical Engagement Self-Assessment
A practical checklist for brands and institutions to evaluate their engagement practices against ethical standards.
Take Assessment →Protocols
Usage Protocols
Specific guidance for brands and institutions
For Brands
Brand Partnership Protocol
How fashion brands and design houses should approach collaborations involving Indigenous textiles, motifs, or techniques.
Read Protocol →For Institutions
Museum & Exhibition Guidelines
Standards for museums and cultural institutions displaying Indigenous textiles and cultural objects.
Read Guidelines →For Researchers
Research Ethics Framework
Ethical guidelines for academic researchers studying Indigenous knowledge, textiles, and cultural practices.
Read Framework →Policy
Policy Drafts & Recommendations
NECIK's policy positions and recommendations for legislative reform
Policy Brief
Traditional Knowledge Protection Framework
NECIK's comprehensive framework for strengthening legal protection of traditional knowledge in Northeast India.
Read Policy Brief →Model Legislation
Community Intellectual Property Rights
Draft model legislation for recognising community-held intellectual property in traditional knowledge systems.
Read Model Provisions →Recommendations
GI Strengthening Proposals
Recommendations for strengthening Geographical Indication protections for Northeast Indian textiles.
Read Proposals →Reference
Legal References
Key legislation and international instruments relevant to Indigenous knowledge protection
Geographical Indications
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 — key GIs for Northeast textiles.
Traditional Knowledge
Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and related frameworks for traditional knowledge protection in India.
Copyright & Design
Copyright Act, 1957 and Design Act, 2000 — applicability to textile designs and traditional expressions.
International Instruments
WIPO IGC negotiations, UN Declaration on Indigenous Rights, and Nagoya Protocol provisions.
Need Guidance?
If you're seeking consultation on ethical engagement or need specific guidance for your work, contact us.