Talking Circles

Talking Circles

Talking circles are based on a sacred Indigenous tradition of a sharing circle and are often used to resolve difficult problems. In the classroom or at meetings, they provide a safe place for individuals to voice their thoughts and concerns to others in a respectful way. Each participant in the circle is equal and each must be willing to listen respectfully to the differing perspectives of others.  Participants all sit in a circle. Chairs can be used. The circle represents completeness and equality  Traditionally, an elder or respected member of the community might start the discussion; however, other individuals may as well.  In the classroom or at meetings, it is appropriate to review the ground rules with participants, for example:  Everyone’s contribution is equally important.  Speak from the heart, i.e. from your perspective, possibly using words like “I feel…”  All comments are addressed directly to the question or the issue, not to comments another person has made. Both negative and positive comments about what anyone else has to say should be avoided.  An everyday object such as a rock or pencil is sometimes used as a talking object. The Aboriginal Student Advisor has a Talking stick that can be used for this purpose.  When the talking object is placed in someone’s hands; it is that person’s turn to share his or her thoughts, without interruption. Some individuals can speak for a long period of time; do not cut them off. The object is then passed to the next person in a clockwise direction.  Whoever is holding the object has the right to speak and others have the responsibility to listen.  Everyone else is listening in a non-judgemental way to what the speaker is saying.  Silence is an acceptable response and participants can simply choose to pass the talking object to the next person. They are not to be judged for it. They may wish to speak during the next round.  Speakers should feel free to express themselves in any way they wish, including by sharing a story or a personal experience

 The discussion can be initiated by posing 2-3 guiding questions that summarize the matter to be discussed or resolved  Traditionally, talking circles may involve many rounds of discussion before consensus or a common vision is achieved, and all remain seated for the duration so that the circle is not broken unless leadership states otherwise. For