The COOBF discussion guides relies on processes developed by the Indigenous Issues Forums (IIF). IIF practices respectful dialogue rooted in values-based guidelines and careful reflection. IIF practices circle facilitation, allowing each person a chance to speak and to be heard.

IIF represents a core group of community builders who are in respectful relationship. Our team includes Harley Eagle, Lily Mendoza-Ducheneaux, Ruth Yellowhawk, as well as our families and a team of elders whose counsel guides our practice.

IIF Core Values: Humility, Honesty, Patience, Respect, Courage, Fortitude, and Wisdom.

The first stage of an effective circle process is to create a safe space that will nurture open hearts, encourage risk taking, and allow for equal and full participation in the dialogue. This stage is vital to tending to spiritual well being. Feeling safe to share our hearts in a group takes a great deal of collective effort. It also takes practice.

One of the joys of the process is that it allows us to be fully human, to speak from our spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual strengths. While this process is deeply rooted in and reflective of Native understandings, it also offers a gift to others - to allow each of us to be seen as spiritual beings. So much of talk today is from the head, not the heart. Yet our intellect often limits us, so that we can only reflect a small portion of who we are, and who we might become. Our heart however, embraces not only the intellect but also many other senses. When we rely on our heart we can feel and experience so much more. The knowledge from the heart represents the truth that lies within each person.

Many of us are not accustomed to telling our stories. There is much to be done by the conveners, facilitators, and the participants to make a space safe. It is important, for example, that the facilitator and convener reflect deep compassion for the people and real commitment to the process.

The Circle of One Book Forum setting should be one of deep encouragement and risk-taking.

A warrior spirit is required here. Effective facilitators, participants, and conveners will understand their roles as serving to protect the people's hearts. When someone works to control or dominate the discussion, or shut someone down who is attempting to find his or her voice, we each play a role in ensuring that those who are silenced, do have a rightful space in the conversation. Some of the basics for setting up a good tone include having words of encouragement for our time together, perhaps enjoying a relaxed meal or ensuring time for unstructured visiting, and sharing the guidelines for how folks will talk together. This is an opportunity to ask for insights and to seek input into the guidelines.

Sharing the purpose of the book forum and explaining how the dialogue will be structured can serve to allow us to feel safe. The transparency of folks convening and facilitating can go a long way in allow individuals lights to shine through.

For Native peoples, our lifeways are rooted in the natural world. So in conducting a talking circle, using a rock, feather, stick or some other relative makes sense to us. It allows us to remember that we are a small part of a much larger system. The talking piece serves a very practical purpose in that whoever is holding it is the sole speaker. The piece is passed from person to person in a circle. Typically, the facilitator chooses a piece to use that he or she thinks would allow the group to build trust, show respect and go deep into our stories together.

To ensure the discussion is moderated in a good way, be sure to choose a respected facilitator who is able to assure that all voices are heard.

Here are the basic guidelines for using a talking piece. Circle guidelines are simple and shared at the onset of the book forum:

• One speaker (many listeners) at a time.
• Whoever is holding a talking piece shares, speaking from the heart and sharing his or her experiences.
• Respectful listening and patience are required.
• When the speaker is finished, he or she passes the talking piece to the next person.
• The next person can then share his or her thoughts.
• A person can also pass, can hold the piece without speaking, and/or can reinforce what has already been said.
• In addition to these basic guidelines for using a talking piece, here are some other general guidelines.

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