The Native American Talking Circle Presented by Barb

The Native American Talking Circle Presented by Barb Doty M. D. Meg Sarnecki M. D.

Goals of This Workshop Examine and experience a unique method of group communication l Increase nonjudgmental listening skills and awareness l Facilitate professional self awareness l Understand the talking circle’s use in training Family physicians to respect diverse cultures l

What Is the Talking Circle? l Confidential communication of emotional and spiritual experiences within the safety of cultural tradition l The Talking Circle is grounded in the history and ritual of many indigenous peoples of America

Emphasis – Equality – Partnership – Consent of all parties – Participation of all age groups

Traditional values & rituals are stressed – Sharing – Humility – Respect for others – Cooperation – Spirituality

The Benefits l Increase learner listening skills and awareness l Develop empathetic listening skills l Self discovery l Group healing technique l Can be used as a method of conflict resolution

Talking vs. Healing Circle l Focus on an individual or a problem l Group-based l Outlet therapeutic intervention for emotional expression in a safe environment

Cultural Competency Skills l Facilitates: – Cultural understanding & awareness – Recognition of peoples beliefs & practices associated with illnesses – Healthy doctor patient relationships

Yupik Elders

Alaskan Tribal Healers Lisa Dolchuk Rita Blumenstein

Alaska Native

Learning herbal medicines

Our Setting l Alaska – population 600, 000 l Cultural diversity l Widespread communities l Remote villages/towns l No road access l Subsistence lifestyles

Extreme Conditions l Extreme temperatures l Large waterways, tundra & mountain ranges l Winter darkness l Summer daylight l Isolation

Common transportation

Winter transport

The water highways

Hazards of the Bush

Resident in Yup’ik hospital

Resident Feedback l “My colleagues will be my brothers”. . “Hearing one another and being heard by one-another, that is what helped us become brothers and sisters. ”

l “I felt that I had landed in a special place to do such a thing to encourage openness and support and sense of spiritual intent about the work we were about to do. ” l. A great use of the talking circle (to start training) I am glad to have been a part of it. ”

l “The presence of our Elders (Max & Lisa) to introduce us to this tradition …helped make the moment a safe and healing time for us, and helped us trust one another. ” l “Theirs is a great gift. . ”

The Talking Circle Ground Rules l Several rounds around the circle l No cross talk until the third round l There are no obligations to speak l Information shared within the circle is not discussed outside of the circle