Global intellectual property systems provide limited protection for Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. As explained by WIPO:
"Traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) are generally regarded by conventional intellectual property (IP) systems as being in the public domain and so free for anyone to use. Indigenous peoples, local communities and many States argue that this opens up TK and TCEs to unwanted misappropriation and misuse."
If you are considering applying for a patent, it is important to consider whether your idea includes Indigenous Knowledges. For guidance refer to:
True tracks: respecting Indigenous knowledge and culture by 