Talking Sticks
The Students Commission first learned about the Talking Stick from First Nations youth at conferences our conferences in the early nineties. As it fits so beautifully with our four pillars, we have been using the Talking Stick ever since. The following notes are taken from a compilation of Aboriginal web sites on traditions and ceremonies. Meegwich!
The talking stick has been used for centuries by many First Nations peoples as a means of just and impartial hearing. The talking stick was commonly used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak. The leader/elder would speak first to start the discussion then would pass it to the next person in the circle. This would continue until everyone in the circle had a chance to speak if they wanted to and chose to.
The Circle is NOT a debating society, it is not used as a dialogue between or among participants. The circle is to allow each person to speak their truth in a place of confidence and safety. All anger, jealousy, hate, anguish must be left outside the circle so that a feeling of calm, kinship and kindness can dominate the proceedings. The circle is symbolic of the Medicine Wheel where no one is more prominent than any other person, all are equal and there is no beginning and no end, so that all words spoken are accepted and respected on an equal basis. Each individual can speak for as long as she/he chooses, although if it is a large circle, the Convener will remind everyone of time and fatigue, particularly for older participants, such as Elders.
When the Talking Stick is passed around the circle it is an action that is overtly indicative of the respect that participants have toward the concept of harmony, balance and good manners among Humans, The Great Mystery and Mother Earth. The Talking Stick is a symbol of respect for the thoughts, stories and individual histories of each member participating in the circle.
Whoever is holding the stick is the only one speaking at that moment. The role of the rest of the group is to sit quietly and engage in active (deep)listening.
No one else should interrupt while the person holding the Talking Stick is speaking.
General Process of the Talking Stick:
- It is respectful to introduce oneself.
- It is important that the circle of people listens respectfully to the person speaking.
- The person who is speaking should 'speak from the heart'.
- Shared communications should be kept in confidence, especially if personal.
Where to find a Talking Stick:
The Talking Stick does not have to be a fancy, beaded Stick, It can simply be something that has been found in nature that has personal meaning. In other cultures, a similar technique is used. For instance in some Asian cultures, a flower or a flower pot is shared to indicate who is speaking. You can make your own Talking Stick to use in your group.
