The Traditional Knowledge (TK) Labels support the inclusion of local protocols for access and use to cultural heritage that is digitally circulating outside community contexts. The TK Labels identify and clarify community-specific rules and responsibilities regarding access and future use of traditional knowledge. This includes sacred and/or ceremonial material, material that has gender restrictions, seasonal conditions of use and/or materials specifically designed for outreach purposes.

The TK Label text is intended to be customized by each community – giving the Labels specificity and context. The title of each TK Label can be translated into one or more languages and displayed in addition to the default Label title. The TK Label icons are not to be altered. This is to ensure national and international recognition and integrity across content and collection management systems, online repositories, websites, and physical exhibits.

For more information on implementing and displaying the TK Labels, please visit Local Contexts.

TK Attribution

This Label is being used to correct historical mistakes or exclusions pertaining to this material. This is especially in relation to the names of the people involved in performing or making this work and/or correctly naming the community from which it originally derives. As a user you are being asked to also apply the correct attribution in any future use of this work.

TK Clan

This Label is being used to indicate that this material is traditionally and usually not publicly available. The Label lets future users know that this material has specific conditions for use and sharing because of clan membership and/or relationships. This material is not, and never was, free, public and available for everyone. This Label asks viewers of these materials to respect the cultural values and expectations about circulation and use defined by designated clans, members and their internal relations.

TK Family

This Label is being used to indicate that this material is traditionally and usually not publicly available. The Label is correcting a misunderstanding about the circulation options for this material and letting any users know that this material has specific conditions for sharing between family members. Who these family members are, and how sharing occurs will be defined in each locale. This material is not, and never was, free, public and available for everyone at anytime. This Label asks you to think about how you are going to use this material and to respect different cultural values and expectations about circulation and use.

TK Verified

This Label affirms that the representation and presentation of this material is in keeping with community expectations and cultural protocols. It lets you know that for the individual, family or community represented in this material, use is considered fair, reasonable and respectful.

TK Non-Commercial

This material has been designated as being available for non-commercial use. You are allowed to use this material for non-commercial purposes including for research, study or public presentation and/or online in blogs or non-commercial websites. This Label asks you to think and act with fairness and responsibility towards this material and the original custodians.

TK Open to Commercialisation

This Label is being used to indicate that [community name or authorized party] is open to commercialization opportunities that might derive from any cultural material with traditional knowledge to which this Label is connected to. As a primary party for any partnership and collaboration opportunities that emerge from the use of this cultural material and traditional knowledge, we retain an expressed interest in any future negotiations.

TL Community Use Only

This Label is being used to indicate that this material is traditionally and usually not publicly available. The Label is correcting a misunderstanding about the circulation options for this material and letting any users know that this material has specific conditions for circulation within the community. It is not, and never was, free, public and available for everyone at anytime. This Label asks you to think about how you are going to use this material and to respect different cultural values and expectations about circulation and use.