We all learn to behave in ways that our cultures tell us are appropriate; and those ways aren’t always universal.
Here are some ways that you can strengthen your relationships with Indigenous Peoples, governments and communities.
Please note, this is not meant to provide an exhaustive list of cultural protocols, nor is it meant to homogenize all Indigenous Peoples. It is meant to give you a broad overview of some of the things you should consider in your relationship-building with Indigenous Peoples, nations, and governments.
Communication cues
There is a difference between speaking and having something to say. Indigenous Peoples tend to be more comfortable with silence. Be aware that gestures, facial expressions and other subtle, non-verbal forms of communication are very much part of the way that many Indigenous Peoples interact. For example, Inuit will often signal agreement by raising their eyebrows, and disagree by wrinkling their noses. Some First Nation individuals may signal direction by pointing with their lips rather than pointing with their fingers or seem awkward when offered a firm handshake. Others might want to shake hands with every person in a room as they enter and when they leave.
Understanding body language is important. You will also want to have a sense of humour. Indigenous Peoples like to laugh, joke and tease. Even though our colonial history is dark and traumatizing, many Indigenous Peoples use humour as a way to teach important truth. If they laugh at you or with you, it just may mean that you shouldn’t take yourself so seriously.
Importance of Elders
Understand that each culture respects and honours Elders; you will want to understand the specific ways of the nations and communities you are engaging with. For example, to show respect, in some cultures, you are not allowed to look Elders directly in the eye. Some cultures will emphasize the importance of listening and not interrupting when Elders tell stories and share knowledge. Some have been taught that it is not polite to ask too many questions; simply listen, observe, imitate and think about what you’ve learned. Often the lesson will come to you later, when you need it. If you ask an Elder to share their wisdom, perform a cultural ceremony, or provide an opening prayer for your meeting or event, ensure you compensate them adequately (as you would any other professional), and follow the protocols (for example, it is respectful to provide Anishinaabe Elders with tobacco).
Community Protocols
Do your research so you know, for example, whether your First Nations or Inuit partner/community is part of a historical treaty or a modern treaty; if they have or don’t have a land base; their governance system (for example, an Indian Act chief and council, or a hereditary chief system, or a land claim organization). What is their language, their population? Find out some basic history and ask, what are the key and current realities in the community?
For example, with some First Nations, you may have seen or participated in a smudge or been given tobacco to hold in your hand, or see an eagle feather being used, or the Metis sash, or the Inuit qulliq. You will likely be exposed to many different practices and it’s important to have an attitude of humility and a willingness to learn and understand.
Protocols cover things such as land acknowledgements, incorporation of insights provided by Elders, cultural requirements such as providing tobacco, or tea, fees and honoraria or other gifts. There might be a need for translation and interpretation in communities where people’s first language is not English. There could be detailed protocols related to engagement and to research. It’s important to research, ask and understand what each community’s protocols and processes are and then follow them.
Listening and Consensus Building
Sometimes Indigenous groups choose to meet in a circle to demonstrate that everyone’s voice is important, and everyone gets a chance to speak. Several nations use a talking stick, a feather or another physical item that gives one person at a time the right to be heard without interrupting. Everyone’s perspectives are considered, and all options are discussed. Most Indigenous nations traditionally made decisions by consensus. This requires more time and effort by all parties. You can see this in action in the consensus-based proceedings of the Nunavut and Nunatsiavut Governments which are based on Inuit principles. You may find that, in your relationships with Indigenous communities, you have to allow for a lot more time so that they can come to their own internal agreements.
Community Capacity
The majority of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities in Canada have populations of less than 2,000 people. Yet they’re under constant pressure from researchers, resource companies, governments, educational institutions and the media to respond, to engage, to be consulted. Plus, many communities need to connect with members or citizens who do not live in the community.
Your First Nations, Inuit or Metis partner community or organization may struggle with the impacts of colonialism—substandard education and infrastructure, social issues, and heavy administrative and reporting burdens from all levels of government. They frequently lack the capacity to meet all the demands placed on them.
An Indian Act band councillor on a small reserve, for example, will be required to address federal issues, provincial or territorial issues, AND fulfill a role comparable to that of a town councillor as well. Amendments to the Indian Act and modern treaties add even more to the governance and management burden of a reserve; and Inuit across the North have created literally dozens of co-management and oversight bodies to implement various facets of their land claims agreements. Given all that, you’ll need to be patient and recognize that the Indigenous communities you’re working with may have competing priorities and limited capacity.
Relationships are paramount
“Is the relationship just about what you need from them? Do you know anything about the history, the cultures, the current realities of the people you meet with? Do you care about their well-being?
Relationships take time and effort and a willingness to listen on both sides. Understand the power dynamics at play, and work to see things from the perspective of the Indigenous peoples and communities that you are building this relationship with. Incorporate Indigenous ways of thinking and doing things into the mix.”
Respect
Underlying all of this is respect. Consider what it means to be respectful as an individual, as a nation, as a corporation, as an organization, as a nation. Is it respectful to name a sports team or use a mascot with a stereotypical image? To dress up as Indigenous Peoples as a costume? Respect is about reciprocity, it’s about relationships. It is remembering that we are all related.