Talking Cirlces are a foundational approach to First Nations pedagogy-in-action since they provide a model for an educational activity that encourages dialogue, respect, the co-creation of learning content, and social discourse. The nuance of subtle energy created from using this respectful approach to talking with others provides a sense of communion and interconnectedness that is not often present in the common methods of communicating in the classroom. When everyone has their turn to speak, when all voices are heard in a respectful and attentive way, the learning atmosphere becomes a rich source of information, identity, and interaction.

MVHS has invited Bobby Sylliboy - Tobacco Strategy worker, John Paul - Youth Alcohol and Drug worker, and Rick Dedam - Youth Suicide Prevention worker to hold talking circles with MVHS First Nation students by grade level, grade 9 to 12.

General Process

• It is respectful to introduce oneself
• It is important that the circle of people listens respectfully to the person speaking
• The person who is speaking should 'speak from the heart'
• Shared communications should be kept in confidence, especially if personal