First Nations Protocol:
Working with First Nations

by Kakwirakeron and Dave Good

Non-Native environmentalists have a poor record of developing relationships with First Nations communities. There may be many specific reasons for this but it boils down to the lack of understanding that protocols exist within First Nations and that an honest effort must be made to observe them.

First Nation traditions have a foundation that respects Mother Earth and this is why a natural alliance is possible between Native and non-Native environmentalists. Many First Nation territories are the front-line of environmental crises. Understanding and respecting Native ways, the protocol that has been developed and in use for thousands of years, is the first step towards working together for the environment.

Protocol is the way to have a meaningful conversation. This is true with every nation - it is important all over the world. Individuals in business, who don't respect proper protocol, fail in their efforts before they get to "the meat of the issue" because people are turned off. Minds become closed. Non-natives in Canada and the U.S. understand well their own protocol but don't seem to realise that the protocol needs of First Nations must be addressed. Non-native protocol is well understood by Native people because it is on T.V., on radio, in the papers, in the churches, it is everywhere.

Native protocol is not difficult or complicated, it requires only commonsense. Knowing that it exists is the way to get to first base. But, there isn't just "Indian" people in North America, there are many nations. Each has a different language, different environment, and a different culture. Begin with a basic understanding of protocol and then realise that there are protocols unique to the different nations. It is very basic, but if people aren't even aware of it and they try to accomplish things with Native people and they don't succeed, it is probably because they have botched the initial protocol.

It takes experience of the people you want to talk to and develop a relationship with. This starts with respect for the ways of the community you are visiting. Watch, listen and learn about the different ways of different nations. And, be "real", don't be false, if you are, you'll be spotted a mile away.

Relationships that are possible are deep and fundamental. Helen Forsey offers these thoughts in her article, "Parallels and Alliances - A Non-Native Woman's View", written in October, 1991:

"In building these alliances, we must insist on honestly addressing what is real in each of our lives, expressing and hearing each others' true thoughts and feelings - the pain and anger, the guilt and mistrust, as well as the hope, the warmth and the joy. True respect cannot be built on a foundation of half-truths, of glossing over our differences and difficulties for the sake of some illusory harmony. Reality is too complex, and the urgency of the tasks at hand too pressing. To fight oppression we need all our strengths, all of our varied truths, all of our creativity, all our courage, all our caring. When we lovingly challenge a sister or brother on something they have said or done, it is because we want the connections among us to be strong and durable, and that can only happen if they are based on truth. Sometimes truths are all we have; if we share them with one another, with open hearts and minds, we can render the old divide-and-conquer tactics of oppression obsolete."

The poor record of environmentalists in building alliances with First Nations, as often results from people either not bothering to consult with, or not even realising that a local community would even have opinions and concerns on activities planned and undertaken. They never even knew to head to first base. This cultural tunnel-vision impairs the whole range and depth of possibilities of alliance-building throughout whole social / environmental movement.

Once headed in the general direction of first base bring your skills of an open heart and open mind. The first lessons of protocol will follow. Lorraine Sinclair cautions:

"Environmentalists will often visit First Nation territories and start telling them what to do. Be careful of expectations. Communities are often going through the process of healing. Perhaps they are dealing with problems like alcohol and suicide and simply don't have the extra time to drop what they are doing and act on your recommendations."

Respect the ways and realities of the community you visit. The foundation for an alliance is on sacred ground.

One way to begin a conversation on first meeting is to offer a small gift. It is customary to wrap tobacco in a cloth, usually red, yellow or white, and present it to the person you're meeting. This isn't necessary for everyone you meet; you'll know when it is appropriate. Cedar, Sage and Sweetgrass are other offering used when meeting. Remember also that there may be other appropriate gifts with other nations that this author is not aware of. Learn the ways of the people you meet. The gift is greatly valued when it's not store-bought because you have truly a scarce gift in these modern times. It is important that these gifts were honestly, and naturally, taken from Mother Earth. But, even if this isn't possible, please make an attempt. Your efforts will be seen as an honest attempt to communicate.

Each nation has many examples of customary protocol and ceremonies that the honest communicator will learn. Among the Iroquois, when one visits someone else's village or attends a council meeting, a special greeting is made to the host. The ceremony begins: "Where we come from we have Chiefs and they send greetings to your Chief; Where we come from we have Clan Mothers and they send greetings to your Clan Mothers; Where we come from we have men (warriors) and they send greetings to your men; Where we come from we have women and they send greetings to your women; Where we come from we have children and they send greetings to your children." Meetings begin by giving thanks to the sustainers of life - to Mother Earth, the four winds, the sun, the moon, the stars, and then back to the people present.

Always acknowledge the territory you are meeting in - this is true for all nations. Learn who's territory it is before you arrive; if you know little about the culture, the people and their ways, then say so and request instruction. As you learn these ways don't argue them. To say a people's ways are wrong is arrogance and shows an attitude of cultural superiority.

The Canadian Environmental Network (CEN) learned this lesson in the fall of 1992, at their Annual General Assembly, held on Hecla Island in Manitoba. Indigenous representatives were forced to boycott the meeting because the CEN failed to consult local First Nations. Many indigenous representatives were greatly saddened because they truly wanted to participate at the meeting. If the local people had been consulted, the CEN would have discovered, in advance, that a controversy existed over the possibility that Hecla would become a National Park.

Each Nation, each territory, has their own cultural identity, their own ceremonies and sacred objects. You may want a photograph of the beautiful arbour you're in, or the dance you are seeing, for your memories, but ask first if it is okay. Don't be afraid of your ignorance - there'll be many specific examples, at least you are showing the willingness to learn.

Suppose you've invited First Nations representatives to your meeting. At the end of the meeting, you offer drinks because you want to socialize. You may have severely compromised the presence of an Elder, the Bundle-carrier, the traditional person. The alcohol is a bad combination in their presence and their sacred objects. You may have forced them to undertake purification - their medicine is endangered.

This summer promises an historic event in alliance-building: The First Nations Environmental Network looks to formalize affiliation with the Canadian Environmental Network. The success of this relationship depends on the observance of protocol. The model proposed for the alliance is based on the Two-Row Wampum of the Iroquois Confederacy. It represents two canoes travelling side-by- side down the river of life as equals. This kind of agreement has been used for centuries to protect each nation's sovereignty. The Two-Row Wampum signifies an agreement to work together as equal partners; one is not the subject of another. One canoe doesn't steer the other. During storms and dangers each assists the other. The common objective shared is to protect the environment and save it for future generations.

Native people have a proven understanding of their relationship with nature. Their own security has been maintained through centuries of experience. In an Environmental Alliance, Natives can't be left out or assumed ignorant of conservation. It is bitter irony that the colonizers, who have wreaked abuse for generations and now recognising the problems, present themselves as the ones with the right answers.