<aside> 👉 Use at the start or end of a lesson or meeting.

</aside>

<aside> 💡 For more information about talking circles, see **First Nations Pedagogy Online.

</aside>

Talking circles are an excellent way of incorporating FNMI ways of knowing into a lesson. They foster connection while ensuring that everybody who wants to speak has a chance to share uninterrupted and without judgement. Talking circles originated in Indigenous groups as a way for all council members to share their thoughts on a particular topic being discussed. The circle is a dominant symbol in Indigenous cultures, representing the cycles of life (including the cycles of human connection), wholeness, and completeness (First Nations Pedagogy Online, 2009).

To facilitate a talking circle, you’ll need an object of power. That can be a talking stick, feather, shell, wampum belt, or any other object. Only the person holding this object may talk. Traditionally, individuals introduce themselves before speaking, but you may find this unnecessary. Those who are not speaking must be respectful and listen to those who are and refrain from interrupting or reacting in any way. The stick or object is passed clockwise around the circle, giving every circle member a chance to speak. It is helpful to remind students that, although their thoughts are valued, it is important to be respectful of time to ensure everyone gets a chance. If someone doesn’t wish to share, they can pass the object along when it comes to them. Before starting, review the expectations of the circle and introduce the topic to be discussed. Traditionally, talking circles are opened with a prayer and a smudging. If the person facilitating your circle cannot do those, consider opening the circle with a few collective deep breaths or reading a poem or other relevant text. Ensure you have enough time for everyone to speak at least once. If time permits, consider passing the object around once or twice more to continue the discussion. Members may respond to each other when it is their turn to speak, so long as their responses are respectful. To wrap up a circle, thank everyone for their thoughts and then end with an optional prayer, deep breaths, or another reading.

Regarding topics to choose, you may use a talking circle to ask students what they’ve learned and what they still want to know after a lesson or to debrief after a lesson with difficult or complex subject matter. In staff meetings, one might hold a talking circle to allow staff to give their input before a particular decision is made or ask staff to share the highs and lows of the week.