Indigenous Wisdom: Protocols Guide

Transcription

1 Indigenous Wisdom: Protocols Guide

2 Protocols Guide Introduction If you go into a meeting, they ll open it up with an opening prayer, they ll do an acknowledgment of traditional territories. Sometimes it s as simple as that. Cultural protocols are crucial in the diverse First Nation communities and Aboriginal organizations throughout British Columbia. Respect is a universal indigenous value and how relationships are initiated and maintained is crucial to engaging Aboriginal peoples and groups. We live in a westernized world and we tend to go with their way of meetings, language, and seem to put our own culture aside and lose sight of who we are and what we stand for. Cultural Differences Indigenous cultures and Euro-centric colonial outlooks are vastly different. The differences between cultural paradigms can cause misunderstandings, and it is important to be mindful that Aboriginal people have protocols. There is a living memory of generations living on the traditional territory, and the cultural practices often stem back 10,000 years. It is also important to hold in mind that Aboriginal peoples hold both their ancestors and their land as sacred, and protocols pay respect to lineage and territory. Welcoming Protocols involve a welcome to the territory and acknowledgement of the nation whose territory you are on. A traditional welcome would involve the hereditary chief of the clan whose land you are gathering on, and you can often ask for such a person, offering gifts as is customary. Such a welcome commonly involves a prayer and this process always asks everyone present to be open to the unique possibilities present from the wisdom of the Elders and gifts of the ancestors who inhabited the land prior. This welcome process sets the stage for openness and authenticity, and creates an ideal environment for innovation to emerge. This means putting the ego and positional power constructs aside and being present to each moment. The key to abiding by indigenous protocols is to be respectful, humble, and open. The inclusive nature of indigenous cultures means that people will graciously guide you through the specifics. Observe and ask if you are unsure. StepUp BC Indigenous Wisdom, Protocols Guide 2

3 Introducing Yourself When you have the opportunity to introduce yourself see which direction it is taking in the circle. In indigenous cultures silence is commonly viewed as a sign of strength, and that words are chosen deliberately and used intentionally. Introductions speak of the territory one comes from, and the direct lineage that brought one into the world, speaking lastly about the self. As a collectivist culture, which values the whole over the individual, it is customary to define oneself by one relationship to a peoples and a territory. The Stories in the Land Reflect on what it would be like if your direct lineage lived on the same territory for 10,000 years. The context is that the stories of one s ancestors are all around and live on and respects must be honoured. It is important to understand that the relationship to traditional territory has very few correlates in the Western mindset, and that looking at indigenous social gathering from a euro-centric lens will not translate to an accurate understanding of indigenous cultural values and practices. Honouring Elders Elders are held in the highest regard for their wisdom and central role in community life. Elders are valued for their ability to provide insight and involving a circle of Elders in any decision-making process is central to indigenous governance and practices. An Elder is determined more by the ability to be authentic and able to hold different perspectives, which are qualities that come not only from age and experience, but also from the ability to be self-reflective and able to learn. Elders have always been relied on to interpret the deeper meaning of life experiences, mentoring authentic self-reflection so that all community members were aware of their gifts and contributed to the community with purpose. It s All About Being Who You Are Protocols are about being present and bringing your unique abilities and gifts to the group. By being open minded one can attune and learn protocols and the essence behind why they are important. Traditional protocols conjure the authentic self and the ability to collaboratively innovate in any group. StepUp BC Indigenous Wisdom, Protocols Guide 3

4 Experience and Wisdom For Innovation 1. Reach out 2. Nurture the relationship and communication 3. Reciprocate 4. Follow through 5. Be transparent StepUp BC Indigenous Wisdom, Protocols Guide 4

5 About StepUp BC The non-profit sector contributes as much to this province as traditional sectors such as construction, mining and agriculture and its greatest resource is its people. StepUp BC supports British Columbia s non-profit sector in finding creative solutions for attracting, retaining and developing the talent it needs to thrive. We focus on six key areas: Developing existing talent. We provide a range of strategies to help non-profit organizations maximize their existing talent. Recruiting new talent. We help potential candidates see the exciting opportunities a career in the non-profit sector offers. Preparing for leadership succession. We provide guidance on formal succession planning and long-term sustainability. Increasing workforce diversity. We support improved representation through greater gender, age, ethnic and cultural diversity. Ensuring employee satisfaction. We promote the appreciation, recognition and development of varied skill sets. Telling a new story. We re changing perceptions by spotlighting the non-profit sector as a catalyst for revitalization and growth. Whether you are leading a non-profit organization, working for one or considering the non-profit sector as a career choice, StepUp BC can connect you to the tools and information you need to succeed. Learn more at StepUpBC.ca Funding provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement StepUp BC Indigenous Wisdom, Protocols Guide 5