First Nation traditions have a foundation that respects Mother Earth and this is why a natural alliance is possible between Native and non-Native environmentalists. Many First Nation territories are the front-line of environmental crises. Understanding and respecting Native ways, the protocol that has been developed and in use for thousands of years, is the first step towards working together for the environment. Protocol is the way to have a meaningful conversation. This is true with every nation - it is important all over the world.
Minds become closed.
Non-natives in Canada and the U.S. understand well their own protocol but don't seem to realise that the protocol needs of First Nations must be addressed. Non-native protocol is well understood by Native people because it is on T.V., on radio, in the papers, in the churches, it is everywhere. Native protocol is not difficult or complicated, it requires only commonsense. Knowing that it exists is the way to get to first base. Each has a different language, different environment, and a different culture.