Gift Giving
Tribes have their individual customs and practices. When building relationships and trust, learn about a Tribe’s customs around gift giving. For Menominee, when we invite speakers and guests, it is custom to offer a culturally appropriate gift as a show of respect for their knowledge and the time they are giving. When allowable, consider giving stipends and mileage reimbursements in addition to the culturally appropriate gift. Also, understand that sometimes gifts are not accepted. This is okay and when this happens, simply state, “Thank you so much for thinking about this and hopefully we can work together in the future.”
Is there a local partner that you can work with to help you navigate the delicate process of gift giving?
Who can you talk to help you decide what a culturally appropriate gift is?
If you can provide reimbursement for mileage and stipends, how can you relieve your speakers from the paperwork and administrative burdens of these processes? You want this to be as easy as possible for your guest speaker.
Local Food Preparation
Sharing food is essential to Indigenous food sovereignty programs. In developing programs, planners can demonstrate commitment and model the ideal food environment for the community by purchasing local and Indigenous foods for all program events. Further, learn who the local chefs are and support their often home-grown businesses by having them cater community events. Build local capacity and offer Indigenous cookbooks as participation incentives; better yet, create a local recipe book that highlights Indigenous cuisine. In addition to actions program planners can take to support Indigenous food sovereignty programs, there are other considerations to keep in mind. Food is a gift, is celebrated, and is not to be wasted. When preparing food, prepare it with good feelings and a good heart. Know that Tribes have cultural teachings about food. Make sure food is not wasted, and follow local food-handling guidelines. Last, whenever offered food by a Tribal member, eat and drink whatever is offered, if only a bite. It is custom to accept food whenever offered.
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