Cultural Characteristics

• Non-verbal communication through body language, sign language, facial expressions, use of personal space and silence.
• Time is now and ever flowing; there is no need to hurry.
• Respect for elders and other adults (teachers), is NOT to look into their eyes, but rather, to glance away.
• A unique relationship with nature as part of the circle of life, and entwined with the creator, mother earth, self and family (as a people). The Indian way is to respect nature, given to them to use - not abuse - by the great spirit.
• Lack of belief in ownership, so things such as the mother earth, nature and its natural resources, possessions, individual skills are to be shared among each other, not owned or fenced in, or kept from those in need, because all was given by the creator.