By Danielle Searancke, Founder of Spirit School Article Inspired by conversation in The Spirit School Collective call on November 2024 - Topic: Cultural Appropriation

Spirit School Squamish Medium Indigenous — We’ve all heard it before: “This opportunity will give you great exposure.”

It’s a phrase often used to justify unpaid labour, particularly in creative, spiritual, and cultural fields. While it might sound like a harmless trade-off, the truth is that offering exposure as payment is a deeply harmful practice that devalues work, perpetuates inequities, and erodes trust in collaborative relationships.

As someone who has spent years creating sacred spaces, building community, and sharing spiritual teachings, I’ve experienced firsthand the frustration and harm caused by this approach. Let’s explore why exposure as currency is not only problematic but also unsustainable.

The Reality Behind “Exposure”

When someone offers exposure instead of fair compensation, they’re suggesting that the value of your work is tied to their ability to promote it. This approach is flawed for several reasons:

It Assumes Privilege: Working for exposure assumes you have the financial privilege to forgo payment. For many, especially those from marginalized communities, this is simply not possible.
It Devalues labour: Exposure suggests that the labour itself—whether it’s creative, spiritual, or physical—is not worth direct compensation. This diminishes the inherent value of the work and the person behind it.
It Benefits the Powerful: In most cases, the person or organization offering exposure holds the greater power in the relationship. They get the benefit of your work without having to offer anything tangible in return.

First Nations Teachings on Reciprocity — **The Hidden Costs of Exposure**

Exposure doesn’t pay the bills. It doesn’t compensate for the time, energy, and resources poured into creating something meaningful. But the harm goes beyond financial impact:

1. Exploitation of Marginalized Communities

Indigenous teachers, healers, and creatives are often asked to share their sacred knowledge and labour for free, under the guise of gaining visibility. This is a continuation of colonial practices that extract value from marginalized communities without fair exchange.

2. Emotional and Energetic Burnout

Exposure requests often come with the expectation of full participation—your time, energy, and expertise—all without proper acknowledgment or reciprocation. This creates an emotional toll, leaving you feeling undervalued and depleted.

3. Erosion of Trust

When exposure is offered in place of payment, it signals a lack of respect for the value you bring. Over time, this erodes trust and discourages meaningful collaboration.

A Personal Reflection

In my own journey with Spirit School, I’ve encountered countless requests for free access to my space, services, and teachings. Many of these came from organizations or individuals who could afford to pay but chose not to.

Each of these interactions took time and emotional labour—touring the space, responding to inquiries, or simply listening—only to result in statements like, “I couldn’t get it together in time” or, “We can get it for free somewhere else.” While I value generosity, these experiences left me feeling drained and undervalued.

The Broader Implications

This isn’t just about individual experiences; it’s about systemic harm. Exposure as payment perpetuates cycles of inequity, especially for those in creative and spiritual industries. It sends the message that our labour is worth less and that our contributions are optional.

We must shift this narrative. Reciprocity—a fair and mutual exchange of value—is the foundation of healthy collaborations and communities.

**How We Can Do Better**

If you’re someone who collaborates with artists, spiritual leaders, or cultural teachers, here are a few ways to ensure your practices are rooted in respect and reciprocity:
**Always Offer Fair Compensation:** Exposure is not payment. If you value someone’s work, pay them appropriately.
**Recognize the True Value of labour:** Whether it’s a sacred teaching, creative performance, or hosted space, acknowledge the energy and expertise behind it.
**Educate Yourself on Reciprocity:** Learn about the cultural and spiritual significance of fair exchange, especially when working with marginalized communities.

If you’re in a position where exposure is being offered to you as payment, know that it’s okay to set boundaries and say no. Your work and your energy are worth more.

A Commitment to Change

At Spirit School, I’m committed to creating a culture where labour is honoured, contributions are valued, and reciprocity is non-negotiable. This is why I’ve made the decision to close Spirit School HQ to the general public, reserving it for those who truly align with and respect its purpose.

While cultural and spiritual repair work is underway at Spirit School - it will only be available to Spirit School Collective members to book and use for their sacred work. I also extend this invitation to Indigenous communities, organizations and practitioners.

This isn’t just about protecting myself or the space—it’s about challenging harmful practices and setting a new standard for how we value and engage with one another.

A Call to Reflect

Let’s end the cycle of exposure as payment. Let’s create a world where generosity is met with reciprocity, where labour is honoured, and where our collaborations reflect mutual respect.

If this resonates with you, I invite you to join the Spirit School Collective—a community where these values come alive every day. Together, we can build a better path forward.

The Harm of “Exposure” as Payment