NCJ Number
309336
Date Published
July 2024
Length
3 pages
Abstract
Communication - verbal, non-verbal, direct, indirect and written - is key to establishing a respectful relationship with any person, family, community, Tribal Nation, Village or group. Using respectful, appropriate language honors the spirit of those we are speaking to or about. Among the Lakota people, for example, there is a belief that individuals, families, communities and even words and thoughts have a spirit that needs to be handled with care. This document provides language references that include deficit-based and strength-based examples to help with honoring relationships. When in doubt, it is important to ask the individual their preferred terms.