Making a presentation to a tribal council

Abstract

Making a presentation does not have to be a daunting task, even when accounting for cultural differences. This effective practice outlines steps in making an effective presentation to a tribal council. Based on materials written by Claire Miller, Council Member, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and provided by American Indian Professional Services (ACKCO, Inc.) at the Training and Technical Assistance National Provider Meeting in Arlington, Virginia, February 2002.

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Issue

Preparation and responsiveness are keys to effective presentations. Making a presentation to a tribal council presents a unique situation, highlighting the necessity of awareness and sensitivity relating to cultural diversity.

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Action

Claire Miller, Council Member, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community recommends these steps when making a presentation to a tribal council.

• When proposing material for review by the tribal council, consider the protocol for getting material to the council. Contact the tribal secretary to seek information on when to provide materials for distribution. Sometimes action on a request is delayed because the information provided to the council is incomplete.
• Develop a summary of the information packet or a fact sheet. This is most helpful to a council member who would prefer reading a synopsis than an entire document or report just to determine what is being requested. Remember that the council receives a tremendous amount of documents and information on a weekly basis.
• Include additional information that helps to convey the request, when available. This could be a map, previous language if requesting an amendment, a clean copy of the resolution, amended budget if requesting a supplemental allocation or a current budget if requesting a budget adjustment, and a legal review of the documents if there are contractual matters.
• Speak formally when addressing the council. Usually the protocol is to greet the council by saying: "Good morning, (afternoon, evening) President _________, Vice-president _________ and members of the council. Thank you for this opportunity to come before you today to present..." or similar words to this effect.
• Introduce yourself and relax. If the information you are presenting is complete and includes all the points that need to be covered, the council will most likely ask questions or even entertain a motion to approve the request.

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Context

A tribal council is complex and encompasses many aspects of leadership. Tribal councils are major participants in national, regional, and local politics, serving to ensure tribal sovereignty and tribal assets, and they are also involved in a variety of legislative issues.

The members of each tribal council are elected from the membership of their own communities and are individuals committed to improving the lives of the people of the tribe. Their efforts to do this are made easier by volunteers and dedicated individuals from the service community and tribes appreciate their dedication to assist the tribal members in some way.

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Outcome

Following these effective practices cited resulted in improved:

• Communication between staff and tribal councils
  
  
• Understanding of culture and history
  
  
• Relationships between Indians and Caucasians

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Posted On

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For More Information

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Related Practices

• Working with a tribal council

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Related sites

American Indian Professional Services

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