The Talking Stick
Carol Locust, Ph.D.
Native American Research and Training Center
Tucson, Arizona
(Tribal affiliation -- Eastern Band Cherokee)
The talking stick has been used for centuries by many American Indian
tribes as a means of just and impartial hearing. The talking stick was
commonly used in council circles to designate who had the right to
speak. When matters of great concern came before the council, the
leading elder would hold the talking stick and begin the discussion. When
he finished what he had to say he would hold out the talking stick, and
whoever wished to speak after him would take it. In this manner the stick
was passed from one individual to another until all who wished to speak
had done so. The stick was then passed back to the leading elder for safe
keeping.
Some tribes used a talking feather instead of a talking stick. Other tribes
might have a peace pipe, a wampum belt, a sacred shell, or some other
object by which they designate the right to speak. Whatever the object, it
carries respect for free speech and assures the speaker he has the
freedom and power to say what is in his heart without fear of reprisal or
humiliation.
Whoever holds the talking stick has within his hands the sacred power of
words. Only he can speak while he holds the stick; the other council
members must remain silent. The eagle feather tied to the talking stick
gives him the courage and wisdom to speak truthfully and wisely. The
rabbit fur on the end of the stick reminds him that his words must come
from his heart and that they must be soft and warm. The blue stone will
remind him that the Great Spirit hears the message of his heart as well as
the words he speaks. The shell, iridescent and ever changing, reminds
him that all creation changes -- the days, the seasons, the years -- and
people and situations change, too. The four colors of beads -- yellow for
the sunrise (east), red for the sunset (west), white for the snow (north)
and green for the earth (south) -- are symbolic of the powers of the
universe he has in his hands at the moment to speak what is in his heart.
Attached to the stick are strands of hair from the great buffalo. He who
speaks may do so with the power and strength of this great animal.
The speaker should not forget that he carries within himself a sacred
spark of the Great Spirit, and therefore he is also sacred. If he feels he
cannot honor the talking stick with his words, he should refrain from
speaking so he will not dishonor himself. When he is again in control of
his words, the stick will be returned to him.
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DREAMCATCHERS
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