To ensure rightful presence and ethical collaboration with Indigenous Peoples wherever PAW or affiliated projects operate. This protocol acknowledges the sovereignty, wisdom, and stewardship rights of Indigenous Nations and affirms our commitment to not exploit, displace, or bypass Indigenous authority.
Core Principles
Consent, Not Just Consultation
No project proceeds without explicit, informed consent from local Indigenous leadership (not just municipal or provincial approval).
Conversations happen early and often, before funding, press releases, or deployment.
Elder & Knowledge Keeper Access
Local Elders and Knowledge Keepers must be engaged as guides and advisors.
Honorariums and proper protocols must be followed for every meeting, blessing, or knowledge session.
Cultural Safety & Welcome
Teams must receive a formal welcome or blessing to operate on the land.
If a territory does not feel aligned, the project must pause or relocate.
Shared Benefit Agreements
Indigenous communities must receive direct, tangible benefits from any system deployed on or near their land: revenue sharing, jobs, energy sovereignty, co-ownership of infrastructure, or training programs.
Language, Land & Legacy
Installations (e.g., Turtle Power, Pocket Dams, Eden Farms) will include Indigenous place names, language signage, and optional co-naming ceremonies.
All projects recognize the historical and ongoing stewardship of Indigenous peoples over these lands.
Circle of Accountability
A Circle or Committee composed of Indigenous representatives must review each major project before launch.
They may halt or revise any system deemed disrespectful, extractive, or incomplete in its relationship process.
Protocols Over Paperwork
If there is a conflict between government regulation and Indigenous traditional law, this protocol honors the Indigenous law as primary on their territory.
No Footprint Without Relationship
We do not enter a territory, run wiring, install hardware, or take data unless we’ve been invited — and we never assume that technical benefit is sufficient justification for action.
