Process of Interviewing

To begin the work of interviewing resource people for gathering information to put together into actual teaching materials and resources.

OPENING EXERCISES

1. Cordial greeting of the elders. Inquire if they had a good sleep. Inquire if they have anything of importance to communicate right then.

REASONS FOR INTERVIEWING

2. Give reason(s) for meeting. This is what we would like to do with you (give subject of discussion). We need this information for our students so they could ----------------------(reasons)---------- in school and in life. We can't put this information on paper without your help. We will work closely with you. We will listen to you. We will taperecord the session so we don't miss anything. But we want to be sure we understand what you are trying to tell us.

PROCESSES

3. We want you to be thinking of signing a Release Form while you are here so we could use the information in the classrooms. (Be upfront with the elders on the purposes of your work; they usually are willing to assist in any way possible. Just don't surprise them with additional details and obligations afterwards. Spell them all out at the beginning before you begin to work with them. Remember that this is a partnership; you are willing to work and open doors, and they have the information and knowledge that you need to make your work effective.)

4. As you interview, keep working toward getting the deeper, more meaningful stuff. Students need to know the whys of what they are studying. Try to approach the subject from all angles. Remember that most of our students don't know much about Native stuff, but they love it when they hear it. It doesn't hurt to get the detailed stuff. Our students are trained to read. They can read a lot better than they can write; but they can also learn to write.

5. Take breaks at appropriate times. Concentrating on a subject that you are wanting takes a lot of energy out of your partner. As the elders get older, their strength is used up more quickly. Be considerate of them. Have some juices (apple, grape, cranberry - something with not too much acid), water, tea, coffee or whatever the elders need for their breaks. Make them feel good. They love to feel that they are making a contribution to someone else's well-being, especially their grandchildren or great-grandchildren.

6. Some things to consider when contemplating getting Releases from the elders:

Are the materials mainly for educational purposes? We have had no problem getting releases for educational purposes.

Are the materials gathered for commercial purposes? If money is expected to be made, a realistic percentage should be earmarked for the information source. In that case, it might also be wise to identify one of the heirs.

The elders should hear your proposal and your consideration of them; you should also ask them if they have any questions or counter-proposals. Keep the discussion friendly. What are you getting out of the whole deal? What do you envision are some of the outcomes of the interviews? Elders are entitled to know what's going on.

7. Enjoy your work with the elders. Your attitude helps them to feel that they have been involved in a worthwhile project.