BeyondIntractability.org   BeyondIntractability.org
Beyond Intractability: A Free Knowledge Base on More Constructive Approaches to Destructive Conflict
   


Introduction: Will Reed recounts a cultural misunderstanding that he had with a group of Native American leaders.


This rough transcript provides a text alternative to audio. We apologize for occasional errors and unintelligible sections (which are marked with ???).

Cultural Customs
Will Reed
Former CRS Mediator, Denver Office

[Full Interview]

So I was working all around there. I ended up staying there for about six days and after this festival was over and nobody else got beaten up, I headed out. I was getting ready to go. And all the Native American leadership were sitting in this tee-pee. And I went up to this lady, and I said, "Well it looks like my job's over." And nobody said anything. So I said it again, "I'm going." I tapped her on the shoulder. "I'm leaving." I looked around. Not being that familiar that much with the culture during those years, I continued to say I'm leaving and nobody responded. I thought this must be a cultural thing and I'm missing it. And so I said it again. This woman looked up and me and said, "God dammit! We heard you the first time. Why is it that other groups of people come around us and figure they got to tell us something fifty times before we understand you?" So my eyes got as big as saucers, I thought they were getting ready to attack me. It scared the hell out of me. She said, "We heard you, dammit. Get the hell out of here." There was nothing about thanks or anything. I was expecting a little of that, too. Just "Get the hell out of here. We heard you the first time, dammit." So I got in my car and drove back to Oklahoma City and got a hotel room and stayed until eleven o'clock the next morning and went back to Denver.

 
There is no such thing as defeat in non-violence. -- Cesar Chavez

Featured Links
Organizations Making Noteworthy Contributions to Efforts to Promote More Constructive Conflict
Program on Analysis and Resolution of Conflict
Program on Analysis and Resolution of Conflict


Other Resources from
Beyond Intractability
Peacebuilding Checklist: For Adversaries
Peacebuilding Checklist: Adversaries

A list of things to think about if you are involved in a difficult or damaging conflict.

Nobel Peace Prize Winners

Shirin Ebadi
Shirin Ebadi

Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 "for her efforts for democracy and human rights. She has focused especially on the struggle for the rights of women and children."

Beyond Intractability Version IV
Copyright © 2003-2007 The Beyond Intractability Project
Beyond Intractability is a Registered Trademark of the University of Colorado
Project Acknowledgements

The Beyond Intractability Knowledge Base Project
Guy Burgess and Heidi Burgess, Co-Directors and Editors
c/o Conflict Information Consortium (Formerly Conflict Research Consortium), University of Colorado
Campus Box 580, Boulder, CO 80309
Phone: (303) 492-1635; Fax: (303) 492-2154; Contact
University of Colorado at Boulder