1. The Native American Talking Circle Presented by Barb Doty M.D. Meg Sarnecki M.D.

3. Goals of This Workshop Examine and experience a unique method of group communication Increase nonjudgmental listening skills and awareness Facilitate professional self awareness Understand the talking circle’s use in training Family physicians to respect diverse cultures

4. What Is the Talking Circle? Confidential communication of emotional and spiritual experiences within the safety of cultural tradition The Talking Circle is grounded in the history and ritual of many indigenous peoples of America

5. Emphasis – Equality – Partnership – Consent of all parties – Participation of all age groups

6. Traditional values & rituals are stressed – Sharing – Humility – Respect for others – Cooperation – Spirituality

8. The Benefits Increase learner listening skills and awareness Develop empathetic listening skills Self discovery Group healing technique Can be used as a method of conflict resolution

9. Talking vs. Healing Circle Focus on an individual or a problem Group-based therapeutic intervention Outlet for emotional expression in a safe environment

11. Cultural Competency Skills Facilitates: – Cultural understanding & awareness – Recognition of peoples beliefs & practices associated with illnesses – Healthy doctor patient relationships

12. Yupik Elders

13. Alaskan Tribal Healers Lisa Dolchuk Rita Blumenstein

14. Alaska Native

16. Learning herbal medicines

18. Our Setting Alaska – population 600,000 Cultural diversity Widespread communities Remote villages/towns No road access Subsistence lifestyles

21. Extreme Conditions Extreme temperatures Large waterways, tundra & mountain ranges Winter darkness Summer daylight Isolation

23. Common transportation

24. Winter transport

25. The water highways

26. Hazards of the Bush

28. Resident in Yup’ik hospital

32. Resident Feedback “My colleagues will be my brothers”.. “Hearing one another and being heard by one-another, that is what helped us become brothers and sisters.”

33. “I felt that I had landed in a special place to do such a thing to encourage openness and support and sense of spiritual intent about the work we were about to do.” A great use of the talking circle (to start training) I am glad to have been a part of it.”

34. “The presence of our Elders (Max & Lisa) to introduce us to this tradition …helped make the moment a safe and healing time for us, and helped us trust one another.” “Theirs is a great gift..”

35. The Talking Circle Ground Rules Several rounds around the circle No cross talk until the third round There are no obligations to speak Information shared within the circle is not discussed outside of the circle