Native American Talking Circle — Monthly Community Gathering

When & Where

• Dates (3rd Thursdays, 2026): January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16
• Time: 5:00 PM (Central Time)
• Location: Ayres Multicultural Center, University of the South, Sewanee, TN
• Cost: Free

About the Native American Talking Circle

This gathering offers a safe space for open dialogue and deep listening, honoring the traditions of
Native American cultures. In the spirit of a traditional talking circle, we sit together as equals,
share from the heart, and listen with respect.

Whether you are Native, non-Native, a student, staff, faculty, or a community member, you are invited
to come as you are. No prior experience with talking circles is needed.

What to Expect

• A welcoming circle focused on story-sharing, reflection, and mutual respect.
• Time for silence, listening, and speaking from the heart when you feel moved.
• Opportunities to learn from Native traditions of circle practice and community care.
• A relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere — no pressure to “perform” or be perfect.

Circle Agreements

By stepping into this space, you are agreeing to:

• Participate as you feel welcome — you may speak, sit in silence, or simply listen.
• Treat everyone in the circle as equal — each voice and story matters.
• Keep the sacred circle in confidence — what is shared here stays here.

Food & Hospitality

After the circle, enjoy local Sterling’s sandwiches and beverages as we continue
informal conversation and connection.

How This Gathering Came Together

This Native American Talking Circle is a collaborative effort through the
Indigenous Engagement Initiative, the University of the South,
and Wazakone Ode (a Native American altar held by Strong Heart Bear and She Stands Tall).

With sincere gratitude, these circles are offered in hopes of bridging cultures in a way
that brings healing for ourselves, our community, and the future seven generations.

Special Thanks to Our Cohort Partnerships

• Jesse Ball duPont Fund –
  
  Legacy Repair
  
• Trust Labs –
  
  wearetrustlabs.org
  
• Maya Pace, Curriculum Director, Trust Labs
• Anna Del Castillo, Senior Manager, Trust Labs
• Dr. C. Albert Bardi,
  Associate Professor of Psychology and Chair, Indigenous Engagement Initiative Steering Committee,
  The University of the South – he helps foster the relationships that make this community offering possible.
• Dr. Lydia Reinig, Director of Dialogue Across Difference Programs | Office of Civic Engagement
  and Visiting Assistant Professor, Rhetoric Program (Easter semesters), The University of the South – she
  connected the circle to the grant that supports this offering. Thank you for being irreplaceable.

With Gratitude to Our Community Partners

• Sibby Anderson-Thompkins
• Richard Tate
• Sherry Hamby
• Stephanie Colchado Kelley
• Kimberly Ladd
• All members of the Indigenous Engagement Initiative

We look forward to seeing you there!