Module 2: Communication and Collaboration
How Indigenous Peoples May Present in Digital Spaces
We must remember that Internet connectivity gives us the ability to build relationships with one another by sharing, listening, and learning together in the digital space.
It creates possibilities to reconcile the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people that has eroded over time, allowing for a resurgence of Indigenous stories to reinvigorate digital spaces.
For reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to exist, the digital divide must be closed, and Internet connectivity must be provided equally. This will allow us to use the words that matter and move toward reconciliation.
Now let’s take a look at how Indigenous Peoples may present in digital spaces.
Learner notes
Indigenous body language is rich and diverse, reflecting cultural nuances and communication styles across various Indigenous communities in Canada. The next sections present general rules, but they should not be viewed as absolute.
Sources and recommended readings: Why do Native Americans avoid eye contact? (emojicut.com) and How to teach and engage Aboriginal students – SchoolNews – Australia (school-news.com.au)
Verbal communication
Indirect communication
- The communication style of Indigenous Peoples is polite and seems indirect.
- Communication may seem passive, especially with people not familiar to them. This is done to avoid conflict.
- Indigenous Peoples will give their opinion or point of view in negotiations, but they will avoid argument or trying to appear that their opinion is right.
- Direct communication is reserved for relationships with a high level of trust or crucial situations.
- These communication attributes should not be mistaken for the person being ambiguous.
- A refusal, such as saying no, is believed to be aggressive in Indigenous cultures. This means that disagreement is expressed indirectly.
- Indigenous Peoples may use phrases such as “maybe” or “I’ll do my best” as a way to express “no.”
- “Yes” has various connotations that differ from Western cultures. An Indigenous person may say yes to indicate they are listening, but their body language may be communicating their disagreement.
Politeness
- Communication in Indigenous cultures leans into politeness. This means avoiding saying “no” directly.
- One way to navigate what might seems like ambiguity is to seek clarification often during communications and sticking to open-ended questions.
Hierarchy
- The social hierarchy of Indigenous community can influence communication.
- Being respectful of and deferring to authority takes place in the home and in community.
- Refusing or disagreeing with a senior person is done with sensitivity and indirect communication.
Non-verbal communication
Body language
- Indigenous Peoples may remain silent and not provide a direct no. It is advisable to pay attention to what is not being said.
Physical contact
- Indigenous Peoples may prefer not not to touch people. They may touch an arm or hand lightly when speaking directly to someone.
- Personal space needs to be respected. Keeping someone at arm’s length is a good measure.
- Physical touch and personal space will change when communicating with someone of a different gender.
Eye contact
- Eye contact can be minimal. Eyes may be averted.
- If your student is keeping direct eye contact, then show respect by averting your eyes periodically.
- Direct eye contact is considered a form of aggression and may be seen as disrespectful.
- In many Indigenous cultures, the eyes are believed to be the window to the soul. If you look someone directly in the eye, you could steal their soul, or they could steal yours.
Learner notes
Pointing and standing
- Pointing the index finger toward someone is considered to be accusatory. A more polite way to beckon or refer to someone is to use your whole palm facing down.
- Standing with your hands on your hips suggests that you are angry or ready to argue.
Learner notes
Remember that body language varies among individuals and communities, so it’s essential to approach it with cultural sensitivity and openness. Some of these understandings come from the content creators’ personal lived experiences within their Indigenous cultures.
Source and recommended reading: Politeness – Why is it socially not acceptable to point at someone with your finger? – Interpersonal Skills Stack Exchange
Head and feet
- Touching someone on the top of the head is deemed to be offensive.
- Touching someone on the feet is considered rude.
Silence
Indigenous Peoples can use silence as a means of communication.
Periods of silence during communication are considered normal. The quiet is valued and used as a time to listen, show respect, and even consensus in some Indigenous cultures.
This silence can be misinterpreted as a lack of understanding, interest, or concern. It is not.
Silence can be a positive part of communication.
Speakers are encouraged to observe the silence and body language to decide when to start speaking again. This can be even more challenging in the digital environment.
Direct questions
Indigenous learners tend to be less likely to answer questions asked in the classroom. This can present like a lack of engagement or interest. That is not the case. Traditionally, Indigenous cultures have been passed on through the telling of stories. Learning has not been about questions and answers.
Grow in your understanding, as an educator, that the quiet Indigenous student may also be the most engaged student in the room.
Autonomy
Traditionally, Indigenous Peoples have been raised to be autonomous individuals with a right to express their needs and opinions and have them taken seriously.