Indigenizing

Practices

 

  1. Work days are shorter, leaning more towards 5 hours (or 3-4 if online).

  2. Work weeks are 5 days a week (instead of 6), if possible.

  3. Each day in the space begins with a check-in circle, an opportunity for folx to speak about where they are physically, mentally, spiritually etc. This is so we know how to be in space with each other by respecting boundaries and states of being. This removes the request to ‘leave baggage at the door’ as we choose to adjust the work plan as needed.

  4. Transparency in any and all things. No one is on the outside of knowledge. Everyone on the team is welcome to any meeting regarding the production.

  5. We work, play, create and exist in space by holding the 7 Anishinaabe Grandmother/Grandfather teachings of Truth, Honesty, Bravery, Courage, Love, Wisdom and Humility. We add Patience to this list as it serves our work.

  6. Everyone has autonomy. If a person needs to leave suddenly or needs to take care of themselves and their body, they are given space to do so. It is up to manidoons collective, as the holders of the process, to adjust.

  7. We start each project or process with a contemporary feast to begin that journey in a good way. Traditional Feasts in various communities have protocols that we will adhere to as long as they align with our 2 Spirit and anti-patriarchal values.

  8. We aim to provide sustenance in the room for well being through a ‘wellness table’, which may include items for self soothing, snacks, books etc.  

  9. We will listen with open hearts to any grievance or objection that an individual may have with the work or with us, as well as offering an outside option to speak to (a liaison or stage manager or cultural worker) should the need arise.

  10. If harm does occur in space, we will hold a talking circle to name the harm and collectively discuss our next action and accountability.

  11. No one will be asked to disclose personal trauma for the sake of the story.

  12. If the story triggers trauma for anyone in the room, we will stop to discuss and/or pivot the work plan as needed. Collective care is of utmost importance. 

  13. Traditional medicine (sage, sweetgrass, cedar, tobacco and potentially others) will be present in the room and made available for anyone to use.