Many traditional tribal practices involve some form of talking circles. A talking circle involves individuals sitting in a circle, taking turns to express their thoughts on a particular issue. In the circle, everyone has an equal place; there is no hierarchy. Often times, a talking piece is used and passed around the circle. The talking piece can be a feather or other treasured object. Only the person holding the talking piece is allowed to talk. This process requires active and deep listening. Historically, native cultures used talking circles as a way of bringing people together for the purposes of teaching, listening, and learning. More recently, talking circles are being used to facilitate healing processes in both tribal and non-tribal communities.
See Hon. Janine P. Geske and India McCanse, Neighborhoods Healed through Restorative Justice, 15 No. 1 Disp. Resol. Mag. 16-18 (Fall 2008).
See Paulette Running Wolf and Julie A. Rickard, Talking Circles: A Native American Approach to Experiential Learning, 31 No. 1 Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development 39-43 (January 2003).