Addressing Native Americans

Tribal people carefully consider responses when answering questions and making decisions. Therefore, when working with tribal people, plan to double or triple the amount of time you would ordinarily expect to spend.

Also keep in mind that:

  • A rushed and impersonal manner may shut off conversation.
  • Information often is shared by telling a story.
  • Tribal people consider it an insult to provide information you may already know; as a result, they can appear reluctant to answer a question or volunteer information.
Tim Sanders, Emergency Manager, Gila River Indian Community
Tim Sanders, Former Emergency Manager, Gila River Indian Community
Indians will typically approach things in a very deliberate manner. You've heard that old cliché about ask someone for the time, they'll tell you how to build a clock? A lot of times that will happen when you're speaking with tribal officials, elders in particular. And it's important that you respect that and not try to rush that conversation along, not try to get to the endpoint.
Julie Bator, Elected Official, Alaska Native Village of Tazlina
Julie Bator, Elected Official, Alaska Native Village of Tazlina

You might have to listen for a few minutes before you get your answer, and it might seem a story that doesn't relate to what you're talking about, but if they want you to think about things and come to your own conclusion, then it's part of our way not to tell you what to do. It's not right to tell another what to do.

Our elders aren't comfortable speaking to non-natives, a lot of times you won't get the stories from them, and consequently they appear not to know what they're talking about or doing. And just because they're quieter or don't know how to say things in the English way doesn't mean that they don't have the knowledge or that they don't deserve your respect.