Multicultural Manners : Tribal Loyalty at Heart of the Issue

A fascination with art of the Southwest attracts Mickey to Native American culture. He believes society can learn from their values of community and sharing. Consequently, he forms an organization to support tribal activities in that region and provide cultural exchange.

Mickey arranges for an intercultural meeting and promotes a distinguished Indian leader as the featured speaker. Tickets sell out for the event, but on the set date, the guest of honor doesn’t show.

What went wrong?

Initially, Mickey was angry until he discovered that the Indian leader faced a tribal emergency. Regardless of the pay or recognition he was to receive, the leader’s community came first. Ironically, the very reason why Native American life appealed to Mickey--strong family ties and a solid sense of community--was precisely why the tribal leader stayed home.

Through this experience, Mickey learned to adjust to the reality that Native American allegiance to the tribe was more important than honor for individual accomplishment. At subsequent events, he dealt with last-minute changes in personnel that frequently occurred by not printing names of specific individuals on programs.

Native Americans themselves know how to cope with no-shows. When scheduled musicians can’t make it to powwows, someone will announce, “Are there any males who have drumming experience?” Invariably the needed number of musicians will be found in the audience.

Rule: Among Native Americans, family and tribal loyalties have priority over recognition for individual achievement.

Norine Dresser is a folklorist and author of “I Felt Like I Was From Another Planet,” (Addison Wesley). Tell her your experiences c/o Voices.