Talking /sharing circle
Purpose of a talking /sharing circle
A.) Talking circles are based on the sacred traditions of sharing circles.
B.) Talking circles create a safe environment for participants to share their point of view with others. What is said in the circle stays in the circle!
C.) People in a talking circle learn to listen to and respect the views of others. The intention is to open people’s hearts so that they can understand and connect with one another. Talking circles can be used to solve disputes, get input or feedback on an issue or topic, or share stories and personal anecdotes.
Steps in a typical talking circle.
- Participants sit in a circle, which symbolizes completeness.
- Protocol is reviewed. For example: Everyone’s contributions are equally important.
- People should say what they feel or believe, beginning with “I-statements” (for example, “I feel that…”) all comments should directly address the question or the issue, not comments another person has made. Making any kind of comments about what others have said should be avoided.
- An everyday object such as a rock/feather/Bible is sometimes used as a talking object.
- When the talking object is placed in someone’s hands, it is that person’s turn to share his or her thoughts, without interruption. Whoever is holding the object has the right to speak and others have the responsibility to listen. The object is then passed to the next person in the direction the circle keeper has indicated. Different nations have different protocols. E.g. Cree goes clockwise, Mohawk go counterclockwise.
- Everyone listens in a nonjudgmental way.
- Silence is an acceptable response. There must be no negative reaction to the phrase, “I pass.”
- Speakers should feel free to express them- selves in any way that is comfortable to them (for example, sharing a story or a personal experience, using examples or metaphors).
ISBN 1-897196-10-5 PD-80-7 revised and reprinted 2009 10. Copyright © 2006, revised 2007 and 2008 by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) 11010 142 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5N 2R1. Education Is Our Buffalo—A Teachers’ Resource for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education in Alberta. Also used, (Our Words, Our Ways, and (Alberta Education 2005)).