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Cultural Protocol

Coast Salish Protocol

Throughout Indigenous territory there is an unwritten yet well understood code of conduct that each lives by as they move through the world. Some may know it as "protocol" but to Indigenous people this code of conduct is taught from birth; it is and has been used for thousands of years and is based on the sacred teachings. Many of these teachings are still considered important and are used to this day.

Not all Indigenous people have the same protocols, so even though you may know protocols from another territory, they might not be practiced in Coast Salish territory. It is a gesture of respect and goodwill to acknowledge and incorporate the protocols of the people whose land you are conducting your business, life, or education on. A good rule of thumb is if you are not sure of the protocols of the area, you should ask.

Listed below are a few important protocols from Coast Salish territory:

  • In Coast Salish territory the movement/direction is always counter clockwise. The easiest way to remember this is, if you're sitting in a circle, the direction will move to the person sitting to your right.
  • A prayer is always said before a meal or the beginning of a meeting. Ask an Elder to conduct the prayer.
  • Elders are always served and eat first. It is expected that Elders be served their meals by the younger people at the gathering . *Please note that some Elders prefer to serve themselves, ask if they would liked to be served*
  • Some Elders, when being invited to attend an event, prefer to be asked in person. If the request is done by phone or email he/she may not attend your event. Take the time to know which way the Elder you are working with prefers to be invited by asking the coordinator.
  • If you are going to visit with an Elder, leave yourself plenty of time for a visit. The Elder will let you know when your visit is finished, not the other way around.
  • When asking an Elder for information always take a small gift. It is your way of thanking and acknowledging the Elder for the knowledge and wisdom they have shared with you. Some examples of appropriate gifts could be a blanket, homemade breads, smoked salmon, homemade jam or anything that you've made with your own hands.


"... Most of our young ones tell us that the teachings are old fashioned, but they still need to know them..." -Vic Underwood, Tsawout Elder


Making the most of an Elders visit:

  • Be sure to have your honorarium/gift for the Elder ready for the day of the event. A cheque or cash can be slipped into a thank you card and/or tucked in with a gift if you are offering one. The thank you to the Elder is made after they have completed their work.
  • Invite the Elder to stay and enjoy the rest of the event.
  • If the Elder is unable to stay, have someone walk them to their car.

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