Language revitalization in Native North America--issues of intellectual property rights and intellectual sovereignty
Tatsch, S.
Collegium Antropologicum 28 Suppl. 1: 257-262
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0350-6134 PMID: 15156749 Document Number: 575123
Language revitalization, oral tradition and epistemology are expressions of Native peoples intellectual sovereignty, and thus the foundation for indigenous intellectual property rights. As the people of California move towards language and cultural revitalization the question arises: What constitutes or constructs the definitions of intellectual property and how can appropriation of indigenous knowledge be protected? Looking at the issues faced by the California's indigenous populace and by implication, other indigenous peoples in the United States, this essay examines how protection may be afforded under the United Nations definition of 'heritage'. Given that the holding safe of a 'culture' or 'heritage' is inclusive of language, and thus has been determined to be a human right.