Native American Talking Sticks
Sacred Point of View.
The Talking Circle
Communication in Native American culture is quite different than the "usual" American competitive-style communication. Their style values cooperation over competition, which reflects in many areas of their lifestyles. When many Native Americans engage in conversation they listen intently, usually looking down and not establishing eye contact, until the person speaking is completely finished talking. Then the other person talks and fully expects to be able to completely finish their thought without interruption or before the conversation turns to another person.
“…I’ve listened to my spiritual leaders and learned when we were talking we had to give each other respect to listen and not comment on what the other person said unless asked…I believe this tool is a good influence because too many of us don’t get to speak about our feelings in a safe place. The talking stick is sacred to me”
—Anne Foxx, Mashpee Wampanoag-Peacemaker
The Talking Stick
Colors
The symbolism associated with the colors used to paint and decorate Talking Sticks was fundamental to the success of the event bring specific medicine to the proceedings. The colors were carefully chosen and the following chart provides details of the symbolism of the colors used to decorate and paint talking sticks.
Blue Intuition, Prayer, Wisdom
Black Clarity, focus, success and victory
Red Life, Faith and Happiness
White Sharing, Purity, Spirit and Light
Yellow Knowledge and courage
Orange Kinship, Intellect and Determination
Green Nature, Harmony and Healing
Purple Power, mystery and magic
Animals
The symbolism associated with the skins, strands of hair or fur and the feathers used to embellish Talking Sticks were also significant. The animals were carefully chosen to reflect as they are believed to represent the physical form of a spirit helper and guide. The following chart provides details of the symbolism of some of the animals used to adorn talking sticks and the characteristics and attributes it might give to the event.
Bear Courage, physical strength and leadership
Beaver Determination and strong-will
Buffalo Strength, abundance and gratitude
Deer Gentleness, grace and survival
Fox Anticipation, observation and stealth
Horse Mobility, stamina, strength and power
Raccoon Curiosity, adaptability and resourcefulness
Porcupine Innocence, companionship, and trust
Prairie Dog Swiftness and preparedness
Squirrel Planning and home life
Wolf Direction and leadership
Rules
There were rules and codes of conduct which surrounded the use of Talking Sticks which made them incredibly useful. Talking sticks provided the way to hold an orderly, just and impartial meeting - even with enemies. Talking sticks were commonly used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak. When matters of great concern came before the council, the leading elder would hold the talking stick and begin the discussion. The rules and protocol followed when using Talking Sticks are as follows:
- The elder speaks first
- No-one is allowed to interrupt and everyone must listen to what is being said
- When the elder has finished speaking the Talking Stick is handed to the next person in the circle
- If the receiver chooses not to speak the Talking Stick is passed to the next person in the circle
- The stick is passed from one individual to another until all who wished to speak had done so
- The talking stick is then passed back to the leading elder for safe keeping
The use of talking sticks allows everyone to express their sacred point of view.
Thinking:
How is native American communication different than ours?
Why would the Native Americans have needed a talking circle?
What are the benefits of using a talking circle?
What is the role of cultural objects in our society?
How might we use talking circles and talking sticks in our lives?
What might be some topics for a talking circle?
What feelings are associated with this kind of communication?