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Ethical decision making

We welcome
conflict

With deep gratitude to the Kanien'kehá:ka Nation and the Mohawk Mothers (Kahentinetha, Kwettio, Karonhianó:ron, Karakwiné, Okwaraken), whose teachings shape how we gather.
  1. 01

    Words before all

    Before big decisions or hard conversations, we open with the Ohenten Kariwatekwen, the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address.

  2. 02

    Small circles

    We don't have clans, so we split into small groups of people we trust and talk until everyone's position is clear.

  3. 03

    Diplomats speak

    A calm diplomat from each group shares the group's views to the whole circle, with all their nuance, without trying to sway anyone.

  4. 04

    Hear the resistance

    It's everyone's job to understand the people who disagree with the majority.

  5. 05

    Decide together

    The decision might not suit everyone, but each person knows they were heard and their needs matter. There's no hierarchy.

Consent can't be standardized.

We learned from Eroca Nichols that consent always has to shift and adapt to the moment, and to the needs of the people and non-humans coming into relation. These ideas are here to provoke thought and give us a common language, so we can keep finding balance in our relationships.