THE TALKING FEATHER
By, Ramona Platero-Roach
The Talking Feather is a tool which was used in many Native American Traditions when
a meeting or council was held. The Talking Feather was used in the so-called talking
circle, which is a traditional way Native Americans use to solve problems. Not only was
a feather used but there was also a Talking Stick. The Talking stick was actually a stick
made and adorned by tribal members adding symbolic qualities from that specific tribe.
(Indian Country Today (2011). Whether it be a Talking Feather or Talking Stick It was
a very effective method to remove barriers and to express yourself in complete freedom.
(L. Gerrissen (2008). The Red Thunderbird Agency).
The Talking Feather allowed all council members to present their sacred point of
view. The Talking Feather was passed from person to person as they spoke and only the
person holding the Feather would be allowed to talk during that time. Every member of
the meeting would listen closely to the words being spoken, so when it was their turn
they did not repeat unneeded information or ask impertinent questions. Native American
children were taught to listen from an early age and they are also taught to respect
another’s viewpoint. It was o.k. to disagree but bound by personal honor everyone was
allowed their sacred point of view.
There are legends bout how the Talking Feather came to be, and many tribes take
credit for these stories, so there are several versions. Although there are several versions
of the Talking Feather, it is said that each tribal member was guaranteed a chance to
speak their thoughts. The feather was passed to each person, and while the speaker held
this object and they could not be interrupted. Each member listened carefully to what
was being said. Indian children were taught to listen carefully when someone speaks.
Today, one of the most important skills we can teach our young children is that of
listening. This method is still used in many schools, especially with the very young.
Although the object the speaker holds my not always be a feather, or a Talking Stick, it is
something equally symbolic to children. This Talking Feather method is effective as a
tool to teach children the benefits of listening to others. (ESL and Native Americans;
Indian Country Today). The Talking Feather is used for teaching children, hold council
meetings, making decisions regarding disputes, have storytelling circles, or conduct a
ceremony where more than one person will speak. It is also used in today’s cooperate
world. In the recent Harvard new economy needs is a good chat, imploring us to have
conversations about the emotional, intellectual and cultural dimensions of work.(Marsha
Forest & Jack Pearpoint. The Talking Stick Reflection.
I believe the Talking Feather is a very good method to use teaching children in
school. When becoming involved with strategies such as the “Talking Feather“, not only
are the students working on their language skills but they are also working on listening
skills as well. It is effective as a tool to teach children the benefits of listening to others.
(Gibbons, (2002). (Team for urban strategy and city development, 2011). Although the
object the speaker holds my not always be a feather, or a stick, it is something equally
symbolic to the children.
Bibliography
Laura Gerrissen and The Red Thunderbird Agency. (2008)The chance to speak and the art
of listening; The story of the Talking Stick ( I cannot find the location anywhere)
Team for urban strategy and city development. Contemporary use of the talking stick.
Contact@stipo.info/+31-(0)20-4233690 Retrieved May 11, 2011)
By staff, Indian Country Today. (2011)Talking Feather: ESL and Native Americans; Rapid
City South Dakota.
Marsha Forest & Jack Pearpoint.( Retrieved via internet May 11, 2011)The Talking Stick Reflection.
http://www.inclusion.com/tools_ 1.html
Gibbons, Pauline.(2002). Scaffolding Language, Scaffolding Learning. Heinemann: Portsmouth, N.H.