# Kaitiakitanga License

## Preamble

Kaitiaki is a Māori word without specific English translation, but its meaning
is similar to the words guardian, protector, and custodian . In this context
we protect the code in this repository and will provide access to the code as
we deem fit through our tikanga (Māori customs and protocols).

While we recognize the importance of open source technology, we're mindful
that the majority of tangata whenua and other indigenous peoples may not have
access to the resources that enable them to benefit from open source
technologies. As tangata whenua, our ability to grow, develop, and innovate
has been stymied through colonization. We must protect our ability to grow as
tangata whenua. By simply open sourcing our data and knowledge, we further
allow ourselves to be colonised digitally in the modern world.

The Kaitiakitanga License is a work in progress. It's a living license. It
will evolve as we see fit. We hope to develop a license that is an
international example for indigenous people's retention of mana over data and
other intellectual property in a Western construct.

## Terms

1. You must contact us and seek permission to access, use, contribute towards,
   or modify code in this repository;
1. You may not use code in this repository or any derivations for commercial
   purposes unless we explicitly grant you the right to do so;
1. All works derived from code in this repository are bound by the
   Kaitiakitanga License;
1. All works that make use of any code in this repository are bound by the
   Kaitiakitanga License.
