Empowering Indigenous Voices: Best Practices for Communication in Indigenous Organizations

Introduction

Effective communication serves as the backbone of any thriving organization, and for Indigenous organizations, it plays a vital role in amplifying voices, preserving culture, and fostering community trust. Whether through social media posts, newsletters, press releases, or event materials, thoughtful communication can forge meaningful connections.

Having worked in communications for an Indigenous health centre, I’ve come to appreciate the delicate balance of integrating cultural knowledge, nurturing community relationships, and utilizing modern tools to convey messages effectively. By embracing cultural sensitivity and strategic planning, I’ve tackled challenges such as tailoring social media content to community needs, creating newsletters that resonate with cultural values, and managing press releases that promote transparency and trust.

In this post, we will delve into best practices for communication in Indigenous organizations, exploring not only social media but also newsletters, press releases, and more—all with the goal of helping you engage your audience while honoring your organization’s unique identity.

The Role of Communication in Indigenous Organizations

Communication in Indigenous organizations is not just about delivering information; it’s about preserving culture, building community, and fostering advocacy. A well-thought-out communication strategy can:

• Share updates about health services through newsletters.

• Use social media to promote events like wellness workshops.

• Issue press releases to announce funding or partnerships that benefit the community.

Key Principles

When working for an Indigenous organization, whether a Nation’s government or an economic development enterprise, effective communication should prioritize cultural safety and respect. This involves:

• Simplicity and clarity in messaging.

• Inclusive use of Indigenous themes, words, and values.

• Detail-oriented approaches that ensure accuracy and respect.

Example:

Imagine working for a Nation’s health centre. Your role as the hub of the community’s wellness care means your communication must balance accessibility and cultural relevance. This could include:

• Event posters that clearly list the event’s name, date, time, location, and participation details, paired with culturally significant imagery.

• Social media posts designed for readability, using square layouts and incorporating community-specific graphics.

• Newsletters structured with a clear table of contents, featuring cultural highlights alongside practical updates.

Cultural Knowledge and Sensitivity in Communications

Effective communication in Indigenous organizations must reflect cultural knowledge and sensitivity, ensuring that all messaging respects the community’s traditions and values.

Best Practices:

• Newsletters: Begin with a traditional territorial acknowledgment and include culturally relevant stories or achievements.

• Social Media Posts: Use visuals thoughtfully, ensuring regalia, artwork, or imagery are shared with permission and proper context.

• Press Releases: Collaborate with elders or cultural advisors to ensure all statements align with community values and practices.

Example:

One of my favorite projects involved creating a Facebook post in April 2022 using Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw Dłex̱'ala'yu (teachings) and adapting it to suit our Kwak̓wala variation. This process included:

• Listening to community feedback (*hutłilala – listen*).

• Respecting the organization’s values and protocols (*maya'xa̱la – respect*).

• Ensuring transparency in communication (*olaḵalala – speak the truth*).

Social Media as a Communication Tool

Social media offers a unique platform to engage communities in dynamic and culturally relevant ways. To ensure success:

Best Practices:

• Crafting Captions: Use concise, engaging language that complements the graphic without duplicating information.

• Design Tips: Maintain consistent branding, but allow flexibility for culturally specific topics.

• Leveraging Stories: Use interactive features like polls or Q&A to increase community engagement.

Example:

• A Facebook post celebrating Indigenous Language Day, featuring a graphic with translations in the local language, hashtags like #RevitalizeOurLanguage, and a call to action for followers to share their favorite word in their language.

• An Instagram story showcasing community engagement during a cultural event, with interactive polls asking about favorite activities.

Photo Examples (Bad vs Good)

Bad Social Media Example

Good Social Media Example

Newsletters and Email Communication

Newsletters are a vital tool for sharing detailed updates while preserving cultural narratives. A well-designed newsletter can:

• Provide updates on upcoming events and community programs.

• Share feature stories, such as an elder’s life journey or cultural teachings.

• Maintain accessibility with a clean layout and clear sections.

Example Structure:

1. Front Page: Includes a territorial acknowledgment, a “Message from the Staff,” and a table of contents.

2. Programming Section: Weekly activities, seasonal events, and community highlights.

3. Staff Contacts: Names, titles, and contact information for key staff.

4. Back Page: A calendar summarizing the month’s events.

Photo Example (Bad vs Good)

Bad Newsletter Example

Good Newsletter Example

Press Releases for Indigenous Organizations

Press releases should reflect professionalism, transparency, and cultural respect. Key elements include:

• Positive Headlines: Focus on opportunities and solutions.

• Clear Explanations: Address the issue or update with factual, respectful language.

• Accountability: Take responsibility for challenges without assigning blame.

Example:

When announcing a new funding initiative, a press release could include:

• A positive headline: "$50,000 Grant Secured to Support Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw Youth Wellness Program."

• Acknowledgment of the funding’s purpose and its cultural significance.

• Quotes from leadership or elders emphasizing the community impact.

Photo Examples (Bad vs Good)

Bad Press Release Example

Good Press Release Example

Event Marketing

Promoting events requires thoughtful planning and execution to ensure maximum participation and engagement.

Tools:

• Flyers: Include essential details (event name, date, time, location) alongside culturally inspired visuals.

• Social Media: Create posts with RSVP links and interactive elements.

• Newsletters: Feature a dedicated section for events, with links to more detailed information.

• In-Person: Distribute flyers to Elders and those less active on digital platforms.

Example:

For an Indigenous People’s Wellness Week, create a multi-platform campaign:

• A Facebook event page listing all activities for the week.

• Flyers distributed in-person and online with clear details for each day’s programming.

• Social media posts featuring daily highlights and live updates.

Photo Examples (Bad vs Good)

Bad Flyer Example

Good Flyer Example

Conclusion

Effective communication in Indigenous organizations goes beyond sharing information—it fosters trust, amplifies voices, and preserves cultural values. By integrating cultural knowledge, respecting protocols, and leveraging modern tools strategically, you can create messages that resonate deeply with your community.

Take a moment to reflect on your own practices:

• Are you embedding cultural knowledge into your communications?

• Are your materials clear, engaging, and inclusive?

• How can you strengthen your approach to build trust and connection?

If you’re ready to refine your communication strategy or need guidance, I’d love to help. Together, we can create a plan that honors your organization’s unique identity while connecting meaningfully with your audience.

As Kwakwa̱ka̱'wakw teachings remind us: maya'xa̱la (respect). Let us move forward with respect for one another, for our cultures, and for the communities we serve.

G̱ilakas'la,

Jean Bell