Mi’kmaq Talking Circles

Talking Circle Overview A traditional way for Native American people to solve problemsA traditional way for Native American people to solve problems Very effective way to remove barriers of communicationVery effective way to remove barriers of communication Allows people to express themselves with complete freedomAllows people to express themselves with complete freedom

Talking Circle Overview The symbolism of the circle:The symbolism of the circle:  No beginning and no end  Nobody is in a position of prominence  Encourages people to speak freely and honestly about things that are on their minds

Talking Circles in Society It is becoming more and more popular in mainstream societyIt is becoming more and more popular in mainstream society The talking circle is making its appearance in schools, corporate board rooms, and team locker rooms around the worldThe talking circle is making its appearance in schools, corporate board rooms, and team locker rooms around the world Used for the simple reason that the technique works very wellUsed for the simple reason that the technique works very well

How a Talking Circle Works Everyone sits in a circleEveryone sits in a circle Generally with men to the North and women to the SouthGenerally with men to the North and women to the South Conductor of the circle will generally sit in the EastConductor of the circle will generally sit in the East

How a Talking Circle Works A token, such as a feather or a special talking stick, is passed clockwise around the circleA token, such as a feather or a special talking stick, is passed clockwise around the circle As each person receives the token, they may speak for as long as they wishAs each person receives the token, they may speak for as long as they wish

How a Talking Circle Works Can discuss something new or address a topic brought up by another in the circleCan discuss something new or address a topic brought up by another in the circle When they have finished, they pass the token alongWhen they have finished, they pass the token along

How a Talking Circle Works If someone does not wish to speak, they simply pass the tokenIf someone does not wish to speak, they simply pass the token The token may go around several timesThe token may go around several times Conductor ends the circle when everyone has spoken as much as they wishConductor ends the circle when everyone has spoken as much as they wish

Types of Talking Circles Simple Sharing Circle: Most common type of circle is a simple sharing circleMost common type of circle is a simple sharing circle People share whatever they wish to sayPeople share whatever they wish to say There is no particular purpose or themeThere is no particular purpose or theme Many fascinating side-trips often happenMany fascinating side-trips often happen

Types of Talking Circles Simple Sharing Circle: An excellent introduction to ceremoniesAn excellent introduction to ceremonies A great learning tool for those who are just discovering traditional First People’s waysA great learning tool for those who are just discovering traditional First People’s ways Generates a feeling of harmony and kinship in those who participateGenerates a feeling of harmony and kinship in those who participate

Types of Talking Circles Healing Circle: Another common circle and perhaps the most powerfulAnother common circle and perhaps the most powerful Will be convened to deal with issues that are bothering peopleWill be convened to deal with issues that are bothering people Issues addressed may or may not be specificIssues addressed may or may not be specific

Types of Talking Circles Healing Circle: A circle may be called to simply allow everyone to get any problems off their chests or address a serious issueA circle may be called to simply allow everyone to get any problems off their chests or address a serious issue Have your voice heard regarding a problem in a sympathetic and supportive environmentHave your voice heard regarding a problem in a sympathetic and supportive environment Often this is all that a person requires for healingOften this is all that a person requires for healing

Types of Talking Circles Mediation Circle: Used to mediate problems between people, specific individuals, or groupsUsed to mediate problems between people, specific individuals, or groups Often all that is required for a solution to such problems is the opportunity to hear and speak in complete honestyOften all that is required for a solution to such problems is the opportunity to hear and speak in complete honesty Both sides of the problem are heard as both parties become aware of the impact of the problem on the otherBoth sides of the problem are heard as both parties become aware of the impact of the problem on the other

Types of Talking Circles Mediation Circle: The conductor guides the participants toward finding their own equitable solution to their problemThe conductor guides the participants toward finding their own equitable solution to their problem A solution that is created by the participants is the most likely to work over the long termA solution that is created by the participants is the most likely to work over the long term

Guidelines Only one person speaks at a time Only the person holding the feather or talking stick may speak.Only the person holding the feather or talking stick may speak. Dialogues are not part of the circle, as they can become confrontational.Dialogues are not part of the circle, as they can become confrontational.

Guidelines Introduce yourself It is polite to introduce yourself in the first roundIt is polite to introduce yourself in the first round Use your spirit name, if you have one; otherwise, use your given name Use your spirit name, if you have one; otherwise, use your given name

Guidelines Speak from the Heart The speaker should address the circle from the heart, and may speak for as long as they need to, with respect for the time of others.The speaker should address the circle from the heart, and may speak for as long as they need to, with respect for the time of others.

Guidelines Listen with Respect All people except the speaker listen attentively and give support to the speakerAll people except the speaker listen attentively and give support to the speaker Listening with the heart allows you to hear the true intent beneath what the speaker is sayingListening with the heart allows you to hear the true intent beneath what the speaker is saying Listen in the way you expect others to hear youListen in the way you expect others to hear you

Guidelines What is said in the circle stays in the circle Never repeat anything that is said within the circle, unless you have the permission of the speakerNever repeat anything that is said within the circle, unless you have the permission of the speaker

Sage Smudging When convening a circle,When convening a circle, smudging the participants withsmudging the participants with sage will help dispel anysage will help dispel any negativity they may be carrying with themnegativity they may be carrying with them In a way, it's like 'wiping' your spiritual 'feet' before entering the circle.In a way, it's like 'wiping' your spiritual 'feet' before entering the circle. As well, keeping a sage smudge burning during the circle, particularly when emotions are intense, will help keep negativity from enteringAs well, keeping a sage smudge burning during the circle, particularly when emotions are intense, will help keep negativity from entering.