By Staff, Indian Country Today

Domestic violence, sexual assault, and health concerns of women are just some of the issues the Women of the Healing Circle Drop-In Center located in Shiprock NM, have banded together to tackle. The organization has approximately 300 members, which includes grandmothers, and daughters. The group supports Navajo women living in abusive situations, usually with many children and with no one to help them.

Program coordinator Shirley Montoya states …

“..A lot of women are looking for some type of employment, education…Our focus is to develop leadership, to revive skills, to dig deep inside women and empower them.”

Talking Feather takes a strong stand behind such wonderful organizations that benefit women, children, and men who are trying to do the right things. Read the article to find out more information about the Healing Circle meetings and how you can help.

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Significance of A Talking Feather / Talking Stick

There are legends about how the Talking Feather came to be, and many tribes take credit for these stories, so there are several versions.

Traditionally, the American Indians used the Talking Feather or Talking Stick as a method to insure organization during important council meetings among the tribes. The materials used for both Feather and Stick were important. The Sacred Feather was usually from an Eagle representing truth, freedom, wisdom, and keen insight. Some tribes believed in using the Feather from an Owl which represented protection, wisdom, and strong insight into truth. The Sacred Stick was made from the bark of trees such as the Oak (strength) the Elm (wisdom) and others. There were also embellishments and adornments made from the skins or hides from animals such as Elk (physical ability), Deer (gentleness), Buffalo (abundance) and the Rabbit (ears for listening) and several other animals the various tribes felt were sacred. Color played an important role in the creations. Certain tribes attached different meanings to each color. For example, red symbolizes blood of life, white symbolizes truth, purity, blue is for healing and so forth.

Each member was guaranteed a chance to speak their thoughts. The Feather or Stick was passed to each person, and while the speaker held this object, they could not be interrupted. Each member listened carefully to what was being said. Indian children were taught to listen carefully when someone speaks.

Today, one of the most important skills we can teach our young children is that of listening. This method is still used in many American schools, especially with very young children.  Although the object the speaker holds may not always be a Feather, or a Stick,  it is something equally symbolic to the children.  It is effective as a tool to teach children the benefits of listening to others.

As teachers we are constantly listening to our students. It was by listening to my students the idea of this site was created.