Kemēcemenaw: Menominee Food Sovereignty

Community Leaders and Protocol

Tribes are sovereign nations, each one having a distinct form of government and leadership structure. To learn about a Tribe’s structure, often an internet search of trusted sources and the Tribe’s website can help facilitate a level of understanding. Building relationships and trust are key to understanding this at a deeper level. Acknowledge Tribal government structures in your work and understand that permission may be required for any external agency hoping to collaborate on projects, research, or any other work on reservations. In addition to the government structures, Tribes have their own communication protocols. These may be formal and written or informal and common knowledge. For any Indigenous food sovereignty programs/events where important dignitaries are going to be in attendance, be sure to extend invitations to elected Tribal leadership ahead of time. Also, consider leadership in planning, as it may be protocol for the Tribal chair/president to do a formal welcome and introduction. There are many aspects to Tribal protocol and the only way to know this is to have a trusting relationship with the Tribal community you are working with. As an external partner, evidence of a trusting relationship may be having a clear understanding of your partner’s needs, going above and beyond to help meet those needs, and being sought out regularly by the Tribal partner.

How can you stay engaged with your Tribal partners?

What are the Tribe’s internal review processes for research and surveys?

What are ways to formalize your partnerships with Tribal partners? (memorandums of agreement, memorandums of understanding, or other formal document)

Is there a local person or organization to help you navigate this process? (this may be a Tribal public relations person, a Tribal College, or the Tribal Chair’s office)

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