Project 57 Week 18: Appropriation or appreciation? What's the difference?

Cultural appropriation is the exploitation of a people’s culture. When a people’s traditional dress, music, cuisine, knowledge and other aspects of their culture” is used “without their approval by members of a different culture” it is cultural appropriation (Canadian Encyclopedia, cultural appropriation of Indigenous peoples in Canada). Indigenous people's culture, beginning with colonization, has been egregiously appropriated by other cultures and it continues today. It is a form of continued oppression and erasure, where non-Indigenous groups profit and benefit from the theft with complete disregard and a lack of respect for the people, the culture, and the oftentimes sacred knowledge. 

If a culture, a people, a community, anyone, seems lovely enough that we want it for ourselves, wonderful enough to steal from, we should instead take action to appreciate them, not to appropriate. We should appreciate the value of each person and their respective culture(s) and knowledge(s).  

Cultural appreciation is about “building relationships of respect and reciprocity where consent and active participation of Indigenous peoples can occur” (Skoden, Cultural Appropriation & Cultural Appreciation). It means “moving beyond stereotypes and towards an engagement with knowledge(s)” and making “the time and effort to do so” (Skoden, Cultural Appropriation & Cultural Appreciation).  

Cultural appreciation ensures that the originating culture maintains autonomy and self-determination over their traditional dress, music, cuisine, knowledge and other various aspects of their culture. Appreciation means respecting the peoples, the cultures, the traditions that are not “ours” and enjoying them as they are, while being sensitive to unspoken or unknown values, knowledge, and belief systems. It means taking the time and making the effort to recognize what we appreciate about other cultures in ways that are respectful and mutually enriching.  

For more resources on cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation please check out the following resources:  

• Cultural Appropriation and the Canada Council for the Arts' approach
• Cultural appropriation – CES C2023 The Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) is committed to promoting diversity, supporting inclusion and building equity through peer-to-peer learning.
• What is cultural appropriation? Proudly Indigenous Crafts PDF
• WHY CULTURAL APPROPRIATION IS DISRESPECTFUL
• Cultural Appreciation- A “How-To” Guide for Non-Indigenous People
• Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Appreciation How an indigenous and settler run business and brand grapples with cultural appreciation vs appropriation.
• Cultural Appropriation Of Indigenous Cultures In North America
• A video on Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation from CBC