Minority Report

Working Together

So what does work? Regardless of the particular tribe, all who have worked on reservations agree that the key is to know the audience.

"Each tribe or reservation has their own customs, traditions and spiritual beliefs," says Suzi Hansen, program coordinator for the Northern Rockies Regional Office of the Humane Society of the United States. "Before coming to a reservation, you must have some knowledge of their history, their customs, and the way of life of that particular tribe. And your program has to relate to the 'Indian way.' On many of the reservations I have visited, our organization was the first that had ever taught a humane education class to their youth. After going back year after year, the animal bite incidents went down, and animal control programs have started.

"These children are bright and eager for the knowledge of pet care responsibility, dog bite prevention, careers with animals, veterinary care, and so on. The reservation schools have been wonderful to work with. The second time I returned to the Wyoming Wind River Indian Reservation, I asked the children questions to ascertain what they'd remembered from my visit a year ago. Again and again, I asked them questions about what to do if they were approached by a dangerous dog or 'How many times do you feed and water your pet?' 'When should you groom your pet?' Not once did my questions stump them. I was overjoyed that the seeds I'd planted had taken root!"

Besides knowledge, respect for the community can help to create the much desired change that those who love animals strive for.

"People need to introduce themselves and their organizations with proper respect for the community," says Hansen. "And don't believe rumors or old sayings that stereotype Native Americans. If you don't know something, you will be more respected if you ask the elders and community members.

"People who come into these communities wanting to effect a change need to realize that, yes, they are a teacher, but they are a student as well."

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