Editorial Policy

Last updated: 5/5/2025

At In The Old Way Institute, we are committed to ethical storytelling, cultural integrity, and deep respect for the sources of the knowledge we share. Whether through our podcasts, blogs, or other media offerings, we honor traditional knowledge holders and the sacred relationship between people, place, and story.

This editorial policy guides how we produce, share, and preserve content through our media platform, In The Old Way Media.

1. Attribution & Permissions

• We always strive to credit original sources, including elders, cultural teachers, authors, and knowledge keepers.

• Teachings, stories, or perspectives from Indigenous communities are only shared with permission, when publicly available, or when given for educational use.

• When in doubt, we choose not to publish.

2. Respect for Cultural Boundaries

• We do not publish ceremonial, sacred, or private teachings unless we have been explicitly invited to do so.

• We recognize that some knowledge is meant to remain within communities, and we do not seek to generalize or universalize Indigenous traditions.

• Our goal is to uplift, not extract.

3. Content Review & Accountability

• We regularly consult with Indigenous advisors, collaborators, and knowledge keepers where applicable.

• We welcome feedback and correction. If you see an error or have a concern about something we’ve published, please contact us. We will respectfully review and revise as needed.

4. Transparency of Voice

• All content clearly indicates its source and intent. We distinguish between:

  • Interviews with elders and guests

  • Original blog reflections from our team

  • Shared or historical knowledge with source citation

• We avoid blending personal interpretations with cultural teachings in a way that obscures or misrepresents the original context.

5. Non-Commercialization of Sacred Knowledge

• We do not monetize sacred stories or traditional teachings.

• Our podcasts, blogs, and educational content are freely available and mission-driven.

• Any future offerings (e.g., books, events, guides) will remain aligned with our values and respect the boundaries between public education and private tradition.

6. Land & Cultural Acknowledgment

We recognize that the knowledge we share often comes from lands and peoples with long histories of colonization, displacement, and cultural loss. We strive to walk in right relationship, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with sharing and preserving these stories.

Disclaimer

In The Old Way Institute is not affiliated with any tribal nation or governing body. While some members of our team have Indigenous ancestry, we do not claim tribal representation or spiritual authority. We are stewards, not spokespersons. Our role is to listen, preserve, and pass on—with humility, transparency, and respect.

Thank You

We offer our deepest gratitude to the elders, land-based teachers, and storytellers who have entrusted their knowledge to us. We carry that responsibility with care and invite you, the listener and reader, to walk with us in remembrance, reverence, and responsibility.