Talking Circle Intent and Protocol - Brave Space Principles

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University of Calgary *

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Philosophy

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Oct 30, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by ProfessorWren6138

Talking/Sharing Circle Intent and Protocol Talking circles are an important practice in many Indigenous Nations in North America. Regional protocols may vary but the intent throughout is common. Talking circles are a representation of Indigenous epistemologies and ontologies which reflect the value of interrelationships and the value of stories. In a talking circle, no one’s voice or perspective is held with more value or weight than another. Participants are encouraged to show up with their whole self, mind, body, spirit and heart, and to practice active listening throughout. While one person speaks, everyone listens with empathy and compassion. The person speaking is conscious of time ensuring all have a chance to share. It is ok to pass when it is an individual’s turn, and participants are encouraged to respect anyone’s decision to do so. All are mindful of treating the space and the speaker with respect. When physically together, participants in a talking circle will be seated in a circle form, and the circle will usually begin with a leader, often an Elder, who will set the intent of the circle. Many circles begin in the East direction, and often the circle will follow the teachings of the Medicine Wheel. Accommodation should be made for regional protocols and guidance of Elders. A sacred item such as a talking stick may be used, and the speaker who holds the stick is the only one who may speak at the time. Talking Circles will be led by Elders wherever possible and Elders should be gifted with tobacco, honoraria and gifts, again, regional protocols may vary. Online Sharing Circles We will endeavor to honour the diverse protocols held by Indigenous peoples and agree to hold compassion and forgiveness if the unusual circumstances prevent us from incorporating all. Some of the main guidelines are as follows: One person speaks at a time - the order will be decided at the beginning of the circle. One way that has worked in other virtual sharing circles is alphabetical, switching A - Z and Z - A from one circle to the next. No matter what the format of the circle (in person or online), everything shared in the Circle must be kept confidential and the meetings are never recorded.

Brave Space Principles We are PRESENT in the (virtual or in-person) room and with each other We are OPEN to new ideas, ways of thinking, and feedback We LISTEN DEEPLY and seek new knowledges and understanding We are CURIOUS and hold a willingness to have our minds changed We bring AWARENESS to our biases, assumptions and judgements We hold a space of TRUST and CONFIDENTIALITY We focus on POSSIBILITY and see obstacles as opportunities for learning We ACKNOWLEDGE and APPRECIATE each others gifts, strengths and contributions We hold BRAVE SPACE for courageous conversations We challenge IDEAS not people We allow DISCOMFORT to lead your GROWTH We take ACCOUNTABILITY for our own learning; Knowledge Mobilization vs. Knowledge Extraction Source: Calgary Foundation – Impacts of Intergenerational Trauma Workbook, Pg 8

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