Module 2: Communication and Collaboration
How Indigenous Peoples May Present in Digital Spaces
We must remember that Internet connectivity gives us the ability to build relationships with one another by sharing, listening, and learning together in the digital space.
It creates possibilities to reconcile the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people that has eroded over time, allowing for a resurgence of Indigenous stories to reinvigorate digital spaces.
For reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to exist, the digital divide must be closed, and Internet connectivity must be provided equally. This will allow us to use the words that matter and move toward reconciliation.
Now let’s take a look at how Indigenous Peoples may present in digital spaces.
Learner notes
Indigenous body language is rich and diverse, reflecting cultural nuances and communication styles across various Indigenous communities in Canada. The next sections present general rules, but they should not be viewed as absolute.
Sources and recommended readings: Why do Native Americans avoid eye contact? (emojicut.com) and How to teach and engage Aboriginal students – SchoolNews – Australia (school-news.com.au)
Verbal communication
Indirect communication
- The communication style of Indigenous Peoples is polite and seems indirect.
- Communication may seem passive, especially with people not familiar to them. This is done to avoid conflict.
- Indigenous Peoples will give their opinion or point of view in negotiations, but they will avoid argument or trying to appear that their opinion is right.
- Direct communication is reserved for relationships with a high level of trust or crucial situations.
- These communication attributes should not be mistaken for the person being ambiguous.
- A refusal, such as saying no, is believed to be aggressive in Indigenous cultures. This means that disagreement is expressed indirectly.
- Indigenous Peoples may use phrases such as “maybe” or “I’ll do my best” as a way to express “no.”
- “Yes” has various connotations that differ from Western cultures. An Indigenous person may say yes to indicate they are listening, but their body language may be communicating their disagreement.
Politeness
- Communication in Indigenous cultures leans into politeness. This means avoiding saying “no” directly.
- One way to navigate what might seems like ambiguity is to seek clarification often during communications and sticking to open-ended questions.
Hierarchy
- The social hierarchy of Indigenous community can influence communication.
- Being respectful of and deferring to authority takes place in the home and in community.
- Refusing or disagreeing with a senior person is done with sensitivity and indirect communication.
Non-verbal communication
Body language
- Indigenous Peoples may remain silent and not provide a direct no. It is advisable to pay attention to what is not being said.
Physical contact
- Indigenous Peoples may prefer not n