How to build relationships between coalitions
There is much work that needs to be done to strengthen the relationship between state coalitions and tribal coalitions. The following represents ideas and suggestions on how state and tribal coalitions can build trusting relationships that are supportive, respectful, and meaningful to each other’s growth as good allies.
Practice Cultural Humility
- Be mindful of one’s own values, beliefs, privileges, and assumptions as a person cannot begin to understand or respect the context of another person’s life without first being aware and reflective of their own beliefs, background, and experiences
- Be informed of and sensitive to historical trauma, oppression, and current day realities of people in your network, membership, partnerships, etc.
- Honor by recognizing the importance of the cultural beliefs, customs, and values of people who come to the table or participate in discussions or engage in shared efforts
- Give space to pause, to listen, to wait
Treat as Equals
- Tribal coalitions do the same work as state and territory coalitions. As sister coalitions, we share the same work values and goals.
- When speaking to funders, state and federal, include Tribal coalitions. If this is not possible, lift up the work of tribal coalitions and advocate for them to be present.
- FVPSA does not currently fund tribal coalitions but they do fund tribal programs. This means that Tribal coalitions are not at FVPSA training and meetings
- Advocate for Tribal coalitions to attend FVPSA sponsored events.
Be a Learner
- Be honest about what you know about Indigenous Nations or Alaskan Native culture and communities
- Listen more than you speak
- Engage in seeking out learning opportunities that are outside of the work with the Tribal coalition (don’t rely on them solely to be your teachers).
- Familiarize yourself with the national resources such as National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC), Alaskan Native Women’s Resource Center (AKNWRC), and the Alliance of Tribal Coalitions to End Violence (ATCEV)
- Reach out to the Tribal coalition in your service area or to the Alliance of Tribal Coalitions to End Violence to get more information about tribal coalitions and to request technical assistance.
What is another way to build relationships?
One vehicle for these conversations is Tribal Consultation, which is a government-to-government conversation between Indigenous Nations and the federal government (for more information see Tribal Consultation in the Learn History section). Tribal Consultation can also be between Indigenous Nations and state governments. Each year there are multiple consultations that take place at the state and federal levels, many of which are federally mandated. The goal of Consultation is to come to a mutual agreement and understanding regarding matters that have impact on Tribes.
In recent years, state and territory coalitions have been invited to attend these critical conversations. At Consultation, coalitions can sit and listen to the issues raised and needs identified by the Indigenous Nations.
The benefits of attending a Consultation are to learn and have a greater understanding about the issues impacting Indigenous Nations, both collectively and individually. This understanding can strengthen the collaboration and outreach that state coalitions engage in with Indigenous Nations in their states.
Outreach and collaboration with Tribal communities is not a substitute for Consultation.