UIIN TREATY

Documentation:

Do’s And Don’t – A Check List

The following are some suggestions about ‘dos’’ and ‘don’ts’ when working with Aboriginal Peoples:

Do:

Research the community before going to the community.
Be aware that child welfare issues, including adoption, have a negative historical basis in Indigenous communities and may be emotionally triggering for many people.
Plan activities by taking into account the timing of meetings, such as when there is fishing, berry picking, and especially when there is a death in the community, and take appropriate actions.
Thank the community for the invitation into their traditional territory. For example, “I would like to thank the __________ First Nation (s) for agreeing to meet with us and inviting us into your traditional territory.”
Use caution when shaking hands. The typical North American elbow grab and double pump may not be needed or appreciated. A handshake can be as simple as touching hands.
Try to establish a relationship before you need something.
Recognize that individual Nations like their autonomy (one First Nation cannot speak for another); avoid setting up processes, discussion, or consultations where this could be an issue.
Learn about and stay up to date on Indigenous issues and perspectives.
Approach issues with a joint problem-solving attitude. Honour all your agreements, especially your oral agreements.
Be aware that Indigenous rights are communally held and that the whole community may need to be involved in the decision-making process.
Recognize that there are many dynamics at play when working with Indigenous Peoples and organizations; try to learn about those dynamics in advance.
Be aware that cultural survival is a fundamental driver of an Indigenous community’s decision-making process.
Expect to participate in cultural events and make every effort to attend when invited – it is an honour to be asked to attend.
Ask for protocol guidance from the host before attending cultural events (ceremonies; dress or attire; gifts or offering of tobacco; expectations).
Be prepared to say when you are having a problem and that you are seeking their thoughts on how to solve it.
Locate a mentor from the community with whom you can ask questions about cultural events, protocols and ceremony.

Don’t:

Use colloquialisms in your communication with Indigenous Peoples.
Tell them you have a timeline and they have to meet it.
Tell them that you have to treat them “equally” with others.
Tell them what dates to meet, instead ask which dates would work best for their community.
Go to them with a completed draft plan for your project before consultation has started.
Expect to consult with the same community in the same way on different issues.
Assume a band is necessarily in its own territory.
Confuse potluck with potlatch.
Confuse reservations with reserves.
Refer to them as Indians or Natives. ****Instead use Indigenous, Aboriginal Peoples or First Nations (or their Nation name).
Say that some of my best friends are: Indigenous People, Indian or First Nation members.
Ask them if they know well known First Nations personalities – for example, Chief Dan George.
Tell them that you prefer a municipal style of government to traditional Indian leadership.
Tell them that we should all be equal.
Ask them if they are going to be Canadian when “this is all over”.
Impose or expect direct eye contact.
Feel that you must answer or fill the silent periods during discussions. These silent periods can be longer than you are accustomed to, and may be needed for thought formulation. Try to ensure that the speaker has finished before you contribute to the conversation.

Remember:

While there are common practices and beliefs, there is great diversity within and between Indigenous people and communities. For example, some cultural protocols (such as the offering of tobacco) may be congruent with one community but may not be at all appropriate with another. It is therefore essential that one seeks guidance, mentorship and meaningful relationships with Indigenous people – particularly from the community with whom one has an association.

As you know, many cultural events are considered sacred and people from outside the community may not be able to participate in some ceremonies. This may be because of the spiritual nature of ceremony and also because of specific cultural protocols. The community is the leader in facilitating the cultural milestones for its members and the role of the adoptive parents are to be aware that there are ceremonies for children and youth, and the importance of giving them every opportunity to participate.

Be aware that ceremonies can take many forms and that each ceremony is culturally specific to the Nation that is hosting. Some examples of ceremony include:

Naming
Rites of passage
Winter Ceremonies
Big House
Long House
Initiations
Sundance
Pipe Ceremonies
Sweat Lodge
Feasting
Giveaways
Potlatch
Witness Ceremony
Burning
Healing
Smudge

All cultural groups have ceremony and protocols however there are differences and it is not safe to assume that all Nations have the same ceremonies. For example, a “Naming Ceremony” is not observed by all cultural groups. It is important to learn about the cultural practices in general, but also to remember to leave it to the community and Elders to facilitate the actual cultural knowledge and teachings to the children and youth. Cultural teachings belong to the Nations and outsiders are privileged when and if this knowledge is shared with them. Remember that it is the Indigenous Elders and community members who are the people best positioned to help guide individuals about issues and information related to specific ceremonies, protocols, expectations, and guidelines for respectful behaviour.

Source

Joseph, C., & Joseph, R. (2007). Working Effectively with Aboriginal Peoples. North. From Robert and Cynthia Joseph’s book, Working Effectively with Aboriginal Peoples (2007).

Adopting.com – Internet Adoption Resources: http://www.adopting.com/