Understanding learning styles, differences between traditional and non-Native approaches. School drop-out as a process that can be navigated in a positive experience fashion. Lack of Native people working in visible jobs, in and out of school. Lack of parent and community support for school success because they are mystified and intimidated by the school culture. The specific counselling role will always be determined in part by the context in which the particular counsellor works.
Counselling is informal, active and engaged.
The counsellor works through relationships and has a network of contacts and friends both in the school and in the community. A guide who helps students navigate through the school system. Able to facilitate a variety of groups in a way compatible with First Nations group experience. Importance of traditional spirituality, spiritual practices, and respect for the fact that these are sacred and not to be talked about. Aware that students will watch to determine the counsellors trustworthiness, and reputation as effective or ineffective.