BC Labels

The Biocultural (BC) Labels extend the TK Label initiative to genetic resources and within the biological and genomic data sciences. The BC Labels define community expectations about appropriate use of biocultural collections and data. The BC Labels focus on accurate provenance, transparency and integrity in research engagements with Indigenous communities. The BC Labels ensure Indigenous people are represented in the metadata and create opportunities for future researchers to connect and support appropriate benefit sharing.

The BC Labels were conceptualized and developed by Jane Anderson and Maui Hudson in 2019. The BC Labels have been designed in collaboration with IDIA (Indigenous Design and Innovation Aotearoa) in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand with Miriame Barbarich and John Moore. They follow the direction set by the TK Labels, and reusing the unique ‘Label’ shaped background ensures they are part of the same family. The addition of the 3 small dots represents the more organic and scientific nature of the materials being represented, and the various icons and illustrations are specific to each use. Biocultural Labels developed with advice and support from the Aotearoa Biocultural Labels Working Group. Label and Notice implementation supported by Michael Wynne.

For more information on how to display or use the Labels, view the Labels Usage Guide or register for the Local Contexts Hub.