Encourage MEETINGS and participation; How to interact?

The consultation and collection of testimonies related to history and culture always remain a sensitive issue, especially when a people has been subjected to colonizing and racists actions for decades, even centuries. Every individual has experienced his or her own set of negative situations and is not equally open to sharing knowledge and insights. This makes it all the more important to be clear about the purpose of our research, even if we are working towards a community goal to be conducted in-house, by people sharing the same culture, the same community. The Founding principles section includes methods and tools from an ethical and moral standpoint.

On a relational level, here are some suggestions to encourage dialogue.

Build trust: human relations

  • Clearly expressing the intentions of the consultation and collection project, demonstrating absolute transparency is key;
  • Respect commitments, those established in the official forms but also those made verbally during meetings. If expectations are created, it is important to meet them;
  • Be attentive to others, without imposing a relationship because trust is developed and established over time. The bond of trust is strengthened with time, through the gradually developed reputation of the project and its implementation;
  • Allow others to express their queries and concerns, if need be. Suggest solutions and/or explain existing processes and precautions that address them.

 

Qualities and attitudes to foster

  • Be authentic, true to yourself and empathetic;
  • Be at ease, because the worst obstacle is embarrassment! Humour, authenticity and humility are attitudes that foster good relationships;
  • Act in accordance with local customs, it is important to show respect for the community and Nation that welcomes you;
  • Be positive;
  • Be present-minded, live the experience, be attentive and interact in a spontaneous and coherent manner regarding the comments of others;
  • Be open to what others are saying, have kind intentions and be non-judgmental;
  • Accept silences, allow others to develop their thoughts and give them time to do so. Once they state that they have nothing more to add, a few related questions may be asked.

 

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File “Encourage MEETINGS and participation; How to interact?”
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Examples of practices

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Who to interact with? Who are the living memories?

Elders are certainly essential resources for the documentation of history. Through their experiences and memories, collective history is experienced. Other people may also hold a page of history. From one meeting to another, the list of people to meet frequently grows. This is a good sign! This is the basis of history emerging. There is no particular profile for a living memory. Age, gender as well as personal and professional experience may vary. This variety brings strength to the results of the consultation and collection, as it allows for various points of view of the same situation. It should be noted that people who are less often solicited, such as those who do not often speak on television, in the media, or in public, may present lesser-known aspects of a subject. Therefore, it is important to have a diversity of sources to allow for as many people as possible to be heard.

Recognize and promote expertise

Cultural and oral knowledge is a unique and valuable expertise of our nations. It is common for people holding such knowledge to underestimate the value and wealth of what they have to transmit. In this case, it is important to take the time to explain to them the reasons why we were referred to them and why they were chosen. By doing so, they may become aware of their importance.

Sharing culture and oral tradition is an expertise that also has a monetary value that must be acknowledged. Fees vary from one individual to another, from one community to another, from one sector to another. There is no standard. Therefore, we need to inquire about the participants’ rates and the local rates. We can also establish a price list in accordance with the context, travel costs, etc.

For further development
Références de compensation
To our knowledge, there is no publicly available standardized chart for compensation of cultural expertise. However, it is important to consult the community where we operate to determine the procedures.
Downloadable PDF
Downloadable tool
File “Who to interact with? Who are the living memories?”
Downloadable PDF

 

How to create a favourable context for meetings?

The location, tone and atmosphere of the meeting are important aspects that should not be overlooked, since they can influence both the foundation of trust and the comfort level of the participants. Planning informal occasions for gathering and sharing in a friendly manner, such as sharing a meal, is a great opportunity to get to know one another better. You can also bring your host a gift. For instance, if your host is an Elder, or engages in the practice of spirituality, a tobacco ring is a great way of showing your appreciation and offering thanks for their support.

Before conducting an interview, it is also suggested that the individual chose a location where they feel comfortable or a place where they will have things to present for historical support.

Examples of practices
 
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Downloadable tool
File “How to create a favourable context for meetings?”
Downloadable PDF

 
 
2.2 Methods and tools