Tribal Policy GuideNorthwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
National Indian Child Welfare Association
Preface
Tribal Policy Guide at a Glance & Use of Guide
What is Policy & Why Does Policy Matter
Section 1: Glossary Definitions&RelatedTerms
Section 2: Policy & Tribes Policy As Tribal Protocol
Tribal Protocol Checklist
Section 3: Conceptual Framework RelationalWorldviewModel
Balanced&ImbalancedCommunities
RestoringBalance&HarmonyThroughPolicy
Section 4: Implementing the Tribal Protocol Framework GuidelinestoUtilizingtheTribalProtocolFramework
Section 5: Partner Engagement BenefitsofEngaging
RolesCommunityMembersPlayThroughoutthePolicyProcess
Section 6: Phases of Policy Development DevelopmentPhases
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Section 7: Policy Guide Checklist Checklist
Section 8: Challenges in Creating Change through Policy Challenges&Strategies
Conclusion
Appendix 1: Tools EnvironmentalScan
CommunityReadinessTool
SamplePolicyImplementationTimeline
Appendix 2: Policy Samples BreastfeedingPolicy
HealthyFoodsPolicy
Smoke-FreeTribalHousingPolicy
Smoke-freeSchoolCampusPolicy
CommercialTobaccoResolution
Appendix 3: Tips on Writing Policy CoreElements
Appendix 4: Evaluation and Research Tools Qualitative/QuantitativeData
SourceList
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Contributors:
WethankthefollowingtribalcommunitymembersandorganizationalstaffforofferingtheircommentsandsuggestionsonrevisionstotheTribalPolicyGuide:
GraziaCunningham,MPH JenineDankovchik ProjectCoordinator,NPAIHB ProjectEvaluator/Biostatistician,NPAIHB
KerriLopez(Tolowa) LyndaDaniel ProjectDirector,NPAIHB TPEPCoordinator,KlamathTribes
BeckyKinley TamLutz(Lummi),MPH,MHA LummiNation ProjectDirector,NPAIHB
Consulting Contributor
WearegratefultothedeveloperoftheNationalIndianChildWelfareAssociation’s(NICWA)RelationalWorldviewmodel,TerryCross,forhispermissiontoincludehisoriginalworkandforconsultingwiththeauthorsonthisproject.
TerryCross(Seneca),DHL,MSW FounderandSeniorAdvisor,NICWA
Authors:WealsothanktheprimaryauthorsfortheircontributionstotheTribalPolicyGuide: AdamBecenti(Diné),MPP AntoinetteAguirre(Navajo) CommunityDevelopmentSpecialist,NICWA ProjectCoordinator,NPAIHB
NoraFrank-Buckner(NezPerce/Klamath),MPH RyanSealy(Chickasaw) ProjectCoordinator,NPAIHB ProjectSpecialist,NPAIHB
ThismaterialinthisguidewasproducedbytheNorthwestPortlandAreaIndianHealthBoard(NPAIHB)andNICWAwithassistancefromNorthwestTribeswithprimarysupportadministeredtheNPAIHB’sNorthwestTribalEpidemiologyCenter.ThedevelopmentofthisfirsteditionandprintinghasbeenmadepossiblebyfundingprovidedbytheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC).
Suggested citation:NorthwestPortlandAreaIndianHealthBoardandNationalIndianChildWelfareAssociation,TribalPolicyGuide,2019.
Welcome!
OnbehalfoftheNorthwestPortlandAreaIndianHealthBoard(NPAIHB)andtheNationalIndianChildWelfareAssociation(NICWA),weinviteyoutousethisguideinyourpolicydevelopmentjourney.
Thisguidewascreatedtosupporttriballeaders,employees,youth,andothercommunitymembersbyutilizingNICWA’sRelationalWorldviewmodel.Itistheintentionoftheauthorstoprovideaholisticandculturallyadaptedwayofapproachingpoliciesinyourcommunity.Thecontentappliestribalknowledge,practice,culture,andsovereignty. Wethankourtribalcommunityreviewersandorganizationalstaffwhoprovidedthefeedbacknecessaryforourauthorstocompletethisguide.Weinvitecontinuedfeedbackforfurtherimprovementofthisdocumentsothatitismostusefulforyourcommunities.
JoeFinkbonner,RPh,MHA SarahKastelic(Alutiiq),PhD,MSWExecutiveDirector,NPAIHB ExecutiveDirector,NICWA
TheNorthwestPortlandAreaIndianHealthBoard(NPAIHB)andtheNationalIndianChildWelfareAssociation(NICWA)created
theTribalPolicyGuidetosupportcommunity-drivenandculturally-informedpolicydevelopmentwithinatribalcontext.Federal,
state, and tribal policy is a focus for both organizations.Historically, policies in IndianCountryhaveexcluded tribal voices,
developed insteadbypolicymakers in topdownpositionswhoarenot fully informedabout IndianCountryor tribalcultural
dynamics. The word “policy” itself can evoke negative connotations in tribal communities and is oftenmisunderstood. For
example,tribeshavehistoricaltraumaandunsettlingfeelingscaused
byfederalIndianpoliciescreatedtoassimilate,terminate,orrelocate
tribes.Thefactthatpolicieswereimposedontribeshasdamagedtheir
conceptofpolicy.The intentionofpolicyfromatribalperspective is
similartohowcustomarylawandculturalprotocolareusedintribal
communities. Tribal Nations have used customary law to maintain
culturalintegrityandthewell-beingoftribalpeople.
Intribalcommunities,thereareunwrittenculturalbeliefs,customaryornaturallaw1,protocol,andpracticesthatmightinfluence
behaviorsandcanbeincorporatedintowrittenpoliciestobenefitacommunity.Traditionally,tribaleldersand/orhealersserved
aspolicy leaders.Theymay interpretor implementprotocol torestorebalance into thecommunity.Thisguidehonorstribal
practicebyofferingideas,conceptsandtribalperspectivethatshowhowtribalcommunitiesmayapproachthepolicymaking
process.
Thisguideisintendedtosupporttriballeaders,employees,youth,andothercommunitymembersbyutilizingNICWA’sRelational
WorldviewModel (RWV) to develop holistic and culturally informed policy2. The content applies tribal knowledge, practice,
culture,andsovereignty.Weorganizedthisguidetohelpwithpolicydevelopment,includingcommunityorganizingaroundpolicy
issuesandstructuringaworkplan.Italsoofferstribalcommunities’directioninthepolicymakingprocess.
1Customarylawdefinition:intrinsictothelifeandcustomofindigenouspeoplesandlocalcommunities2RWV,Cross,1997
Our goal is to assist tribes in policydevelopment using a tribal theperspectivethathonorstribalcultureandsovereigntytoimprovethehealthandwell-beingofthecommunity.
Preface
1
Included in theguide are real-world examples and tools that provide insight on how to leadcommunity-driven policies. It is important to consider cultural context through each policyphase. For example, when planning a policy to decrease commercial tobacco use, youmayconsiderthecommunity’sbeliefsaroundtraditionaltobacco.Youwillfindideasandconceptsapplicable to both offandon reservation tribal communities. Theguidemayalsobeutilizedforadvocacy,educatingthecommunity,orinformingnon-nativecommunitiesoragenciesonworkingwithinatribalcontext.
Use of t he Guide
Thesesectionsreinforcetheimportanceofpolicyandwhyitmatterstotribalcommunities.Keyelementsinclude: » Aglossaryonpolicyandrelatedterms » Therelationalworldviewmodelframework(includingexamplesofhowitcanbeusedthroughoutthepolicyprocess) » Tipsonengagingpartnersandthecommunitytohelpdirectthepolicyprocess
SECTIONS 6-8: POLICY PHASES - The stages in policy development, from identifying imbalances toimplementingandevaluatingpolicyareexploredhere.Thoroughguidanceisofferedforeachpolicyphasetohelpcraftaculturallyinformedandeffectivepolicy.Wealsoshareexpectedchallengesthatcouldslowdownpolicydevelopmentandofferstrategiestohelpovercomethem.
APPENDIX: POLICY TOOLS - Theappendixsectionprovidestools,resources,andsampledocuments,including: » EnvironmentalScanTool » CommunityReadinessTool » Sampleimplementationtimeline » Samplepolicies » Tipsonwritingpolicy » Evaluationandresearch
Tribal Policy Guide: At-A-Glance
SECTIONS 1-5: IMPORTANCE OF A TRIBAL FRAMEWORK IN POLICY DEVELOPMENT-
3
POLICY: » givesvoicetothepeoplewhohavebeensilencedoroverlooked » informsdecisionmaking » plansfuturedirection » establishesethicalandprofessionalstandards » providessolutionstoaproblem » helpsstabilizeagrowingproblem » actsasapreventativemeasure » determineswhatserviceswillbeprovided » determineswhowillreceiveservices » informshowresourceswillbeallocated » creates accountability4
3PublicHealthLawCenter,20154Meenaghan,Kilty,McNutt,2004
What is Policy?Why Does It Mat ter?
POLICY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO: » changecommunity,departmental,organizational,orsystempracticesandbehaviors » sustainpositivesystemchange » guidefuturepracticesandbehaviors » decreaseconfusionandaffirmstanceonsubjectmatter » increasestabilityofpracticeduringcommunitychange(e.g.tribalelections,leadershipshifts) » encouragescommunitydevelopmentsuchaseconomicdevelopment
Policyservesmanypurposes,suchasguidingorshapinghumanbehavior3.Belowisareviewofthegeneralunderstandingsofwhatpolicyis,thepurposeitmayserve,anditspotentialeffectintribalcommunities.
“POLICY CAN BE DEFINED AS A PLAN OR COURSE OF ACTION
DESIGNED TO INFLUENCE AND DETERMINE DECISION”
(PUBLIC HEALTH LAW CENTER}: 2015)
Section 1: Glossary
5
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY ETHICS/NORM
CUSTOMARY LAW
ENVIRONMENT
LAW, ORDINANCE, CODE
POLICY MEMO
MOTION
MOU
MOA
IMBALANCE
POLICY
RESOLUTION
SYSTEMS
TRIBAL VALUE
UNWRITTEN POLICY
PARTNER(S)
PROTOCOL
Agroupofpeoplelivinginthesameplaceorhavingsocialorculturalcharacteristicsincommon
Therulesorconventionsofcorrectbehavioronofficialorceremonialoccasions,ortherulesofcorrectorappropriatebehaviorofagroup,organization,orprofession
Apartywhohasaninterestintheissueandworkstoachieveacommongoal
Unwrittenrulescommonlyusedintribalcommunities.Knownortaughtbycommunityeldersorknowledgekeepers,communitynorm/culturalnorm,acceptedasprotocol
Beliefsthatareknown,accepted,ortaughtbycommunityandinformedbyculture/tradition
Structuresthatexpressanorganization’sprocedures,protocols,and/ordeliveryofservices
Resolutionsareoneofthepolicymechanismsusedtoexpresstheorganizationalpositionsontribal,federal,state,and/orlocallegislation,litigation,andpolicymattersaffectingtribalgovernmentsorcommunities(NCAI,2003)
Aplanorcourseofactiondesignedtoinfluenceanddeterminedecision
Aneed,issueorchallengeinthecommunity
Memorandumofagreement—formalagreementbetweentwoparties/partners
Memorandumofunderstanding—stateswhateachpartyagrees
Arequestforanactiontoapprove(e.g.law,policy,ordinance,resolution,code)
Adocumentthatstudiesanissueandmakesarecommendation
Ruleoractionenforcedandtypicallyvotedonbythepeopleorgoverningbody
Naturalorhuman-madesocialandculturalconditionsthatinfluencethelifeofanindividualorcommunity
CentraltothelifeandcustomofIndigenouspeoplesandlocalcommunities
Community-known,accepted,ortaughtbehaviors
Section 2: Policy & Tribes
7
WHEN TRIBAL NATIONS CREATE AND IMPLEMENT THEIR OWN POLICY, THEY: » Begindeconstructingandrevisingineffectivepoliciesimplementedinthepast
» Integratetheirownculturalbeliefs,values,philosophies,principles,andcustoms
» Encouragecontinuityofcustomary,traditional,ornaturallawthathasbeenfollowedandpasseddownforgenerations
» Capturethevoicesoftriballeaders,youth,elders,spiritualleadersandnaturalhelpers
» Gaincommunityownershipofpolicyandcreatecommunitybuy-in
» Redesigntribalinfrastructurethatfitsculturalandcontextualneeds
» Shapedirectionofthetribeforfuturegenerations
» Rebalanceandrestoreharmonybackintothetribalcommunity
» Reinforcetribalsovereignty,tribalautonomy,andself-governance
The purpose of tribal protocol (policy) is to guide the community on how to lead their behavior in different situations or contexts. Elders, Council or Medicine People enforced these unwritten policies to ensure cultural values and beliefs were respected and upheld.
POLICY AS TRIBAL PROTOCOL
“WE HAVE HADAGREEMENTS AND PROTOCOLS SINCE TIME IMMEMORIAL.
THIS (POLICY) IS NOT SOMETHING NEW FOR INDIAN COUNTRY. WE HAD
RULES AND CONSEQUENCES THAT MEANT YOU MAY END UP AT THE END OF
THE LONG HOUSE OR IN THE RIVER. POLICY IS VERY IMPORTANT AND
WHAT WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE.” CASSIE,
TRIBAL DELEGATE, COWLITZ
POLICY AS TRIBAL PROTOCOLWithintribalculture,thereareidentifiedvalues,principles,beliefs,andphilosophiestoguidepeopleonhowtogovern,
buildrelations,maintainharmony,orconductceremony.Aholisticapproachisusedtoalignwithtribalprotocolwhen
makingdecisionsorproblemsolving.Inmainstreamsociety,writtenpolicy,law,orregulationoftenguidesthissame
process.Historically,intribalcommunities,policywasusuallyunwrittenandknownastribalprotocol,customary/
naturallaw,orcommunitynorms.Throughthisindigenouslens,tribalelders,council,ormedicinepeopleservedas
moderndaypolicy-makers,interpretingorimplementingprotocolstorestorebalanceintothecommunity.
“A holist ic approach is encouraged to ensure policy honors tribal protocol and t he communi ty’s voice”
Anonymous Native
9
TRIBAL PROTOCOL HAS A FOUNDATION IN: » Benefiting the greater community including youth/elders honoring and reflecting tribal beliefs/
values/principles/practices » Maintaining or restoring harmony and balance within the spiritual realm » Providing for the next generation » Instructions obtained in ceremony, dreams, origin stories or other spiritually based processes » Messages from spiritual leaders
A TRIBAL PROTOCOL CHECKLISTThefollowingquestionsarestartingblockstoconsiderwhendevelopingpolicyandmay includespecifictribalprotocol.Pleasenotethatsomeoftheseconceptswillbediscussedinlatersectionsofthisguide,butweintroducethembelow.
◊ What would your elders think?◊ Howdoesthepolicyreflecttribalbeliefs/values/principles/philosophyofthecommunity?◊ Doesthepolicyhonorculturalpracticesandprotocol?◊ Iscustomarylawortribalprotocolintertwinedintothepolicy?◊ Doesthepolicyconflictoralignwithspirituallaw,unwrittenlaw,ortriballaw/code?◊ Isthepolicycommunalinnatureandinclusiveofthecommunity?◊ Howdoesthepolicyhelp,serve,orempowerthecommunity?◊ Howwillconflictsberesolved?◊ Doesthepolicypromotebalance/harmonywithinthefourquadrants(mental,physical,spiritual,andcontextual)?◊ Isthepolicystrength-based?◊ Canenforcementbeculturallybased?
Section 3: Co n cep t u a l Framewo rk
11
RELATIONAL WORLDVIEW MODELTheguideusesNICWA’sRelationalWorldviewModel(RWV)asaculturallyinformedframeworkforthepolicyprocess.Thisframeworkviewstheworldthroughaholisticlens,understandingthateverythingisinterrelated.Inthisstrength-basedapproach,actionsanddecisionsarefocusedonrestoringbalanceandharmonywithinfourquadrants:mental,physical,spiritual,andcontextual.Theseareascanapplytothecommunitylevelthroughthesefourareas:environment,infrastructure,resources,andmission.WhenframingpolicyandprocessthroughtheRWV,thespiritoftribalthoughtprocessanddirectionarecaptured(Cross,1997).Weighingpolicythroughaholisticandbalancedprocessconnectspolicyplanningtoatribalorindigenousapproach.AgraphicrepresentationoftheRWVModelispresentedbelow:
RWV INDIVIDUAL & COMMUNITY
Cross,1997
Mental / Infrastructure
Body / Resource
Context / Environment
Spirit / Mission
USING THE RWV MODEL AT THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
TheRWVModeloriginatesfromtraditionalindigenousmethodsandanunderstandingoftheworldframedthroughsimilarmodelssuchasthemedicinewheel.ThisindigenousinfluenceisrootedinNICWA’sframeworkasweworkwithtribalindividualsandfamiliestorestorebalanceandharmonyintotheirlives.Whenanindividualisexperiencinganissuesuchasasicknessordepression,tribalteachingsoftenidentifytheseasimbalances,disruptions,oranabsenceofharmonybetweenthemental,physical,spiritual,andcontextualbodies.Toimprovehealth,achangeagentjoinswiththenaturalforcesand,withpurposefulintent,impactsoneormoreofthefourquadrantstorestorebalanceandpromoteharmony.Whenbalanceandharmonyisrestoredorrealignedwithinallfourquadrants,healthisrestored.
13
USING THE RWV MODEL AT THE COMMUNITY LEVELTheRWVModel(Cross,1997)appliestothecommunitylevelaswell,witheachquadrantcomprisinginterrelatedforcesandfactorsneededtocreateahealthyandbalancedcommunity.Forexample,thecommunityenvironmentquadrant describes the environmentwithin a tribal community setting or context such as political, social, orhistoricalenvironment.Inthismodel,changecanbefluidandconstantemphasizinginterdependentrelationshipsbetweenallquadrants.Fluctuationinonequadrantwillimpactotherquadrants.Forexample,theoutcomeoftribalelectionsofteninfluencesoraffectshowtheentiretribalnationisoperated.
Belowshowsthegeneralforcesandfactorsineachofthecommunity’sfourareas.Weencourageeachtribetotailorthistoreflectthecharacteristicsfoundintheircommunity.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES (PHYSICAL)Formal/informalleaders;educationandexperienceofcommunitymembers,communityreadiness/capacity;identityofthecommunity,elders,youth,medicinemen/woman;culturalpractices/traditions;communitypartnerships;fundingresources;andcommunityspace.
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE (MIND)System/servicesincommunityformal/informalgoverningbodies;capacityofcommunityorganizing;communityprotocol/taboos;andcommunitypolicies/procedures.
COMMUNITY MISSION (SPIRIT)
Culture;traditions;norms;genderroles;communitypractice,communalvalues;philosophy;influences
includebothpositive/negativelearnedteachingsandpractices,aswellaspositive/negativemetaphysicalor
innateforces.
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT (CONTEXT)
Social,political,economic,cultural,spiritual;communitydynamics,relationshipsofcommunitymembersto
systems,institutions/organizations,oragencies;historyofthecommunity(e.g.boardingschools,BIA,and
federalIndianpolicy).
BALANCED VS. IMBALANCED COMMUNITIES
Maintainingthehealthandwellnessofacommunityisapriorityformanytribes.Howthisisaccomplishedrequiresanunderstandingoftheinterrelatedforcesandfactorsthatareinconstantfluxeveryday.Healthisaffectedwhenacommunityisoutofbalance.Belowaredescriptionsandexamplesofbalancedandunbalancedcommunities.
EXAMPLE:Reservation crime has decreased since the police department started collaborating with local partners (environment) to improve community policing efforts.
» Tribalpolicepartneredwithandtrainedbehavioralhealthofficeonde-escalationtactics(infrastructure).
» ThePoliceChiefensuredeveryofficerunderstandstheirroleascommunityservants(mission),andtribalcouncilhasinvestedinthepolicedepartmenttoreallocatefundingtoaddmorepoliceworkforce(resource).
A BALANCED COMMUNITYreflects a harmonious relationship among the community level quadrants.Communityfactors,(environment,infrastructure,resources,andmission),worktogetherorcomplementeachothertoproduceabalancedcommunity.
15
EXAMPLE:Reservation crime has increased, disrupting the tribal social environment.
» Tribal general fund dollars taken away (resource)from police department infrastructure, thus littleresponse(infrastructure)totheincreaseofcrime.
» Therise incrimehaspromptedthecommunity tocriticizethedepartment(environment).
» An increase in unemployment on the police force(mission).
AN IMBALANCED COMMUNITYreflects a disruption or an absence of harmony among the community level quadrants.Community factors (environment, infrastructure,resources, and mission), are disconnected —workingagainstoneanotherorseparatelywithnorelationship.
Thenextsectiondiscussestheprocessofrestoringbalanceandharmonythroughpolicy.
RESTORING BALANCE AND HARMONY THROUGH POLICYPolicymusttargettherootcausetorestorebalanceinacommunity.Communityinterventionssuchaspolicydonothavetotargetsymptoms,butrathertargetmultiplefactorsimpactingbalance.Policycanbeachangelever,whichwhencoupledwiththenaturalforcesandhumanaction,impactsallquadrantstorestorebalanceandpromoteharmony.
Restoringcommunitybalance throughpolicy canbe illustrated inmultipleways suchas establishinga conflictresolution policy to better handle employeegrievances, a tribal resolution on using horse therapy in schools tosupportkidswithmentalhealthchallenges,oraregulationthat limits junkfood invendingmachinestoaddressdiabetes.Policytakesmanyshapes,whichwillbehighlightedthroughoutthisguide.Itisimportanttocomeupwithacreativesolution,decision,oractionthatbestfitsyourcommunity.
“If we don’t have our own laws or codes, we are invi t ing state laws and codes in and t hey may af fect our sovereignty. At CRITFC we want to be at t he bow of t he boat and not be pulled f rom behind.” Buck,
Salmon Marketing Specialist, CRITFC, Umatilla
17
This example offers how (I) organizational policy acts as the change agent to address the imbalance of staff morale, and (2) it restores balance by integrating actions from all community quadrants.
EXAMPLEAtribalorganizationhashighturnoveranddecreasingstaffmorale(imbalance).Thestaffdecidestodevelopawellnesspolicyfocusingonimprovingstaffhealthandwellness(changeagent).Oneresultisthattheorganizationwillhostmultiplewellnessdaysthroughouttheyearbringingstafftogetheroverfood,culture,andactivities.Thewellnesspolicyincludes:integratingtrauma-informedcarepracticestosupportinmultipleways(infrastructure),offeringrespitedayswhenneeded(mission),integratingteambuildingactivitiestocreateunityaroundtheofficeenvironment(resource),andparticipatinginmonthly,staff-widecommunityvolunteeropportunitiesforunderrepresentedyouth/elders(environment).
ThenextsectionfocusesonhowtheRWV’s(Cross,1999)tribalprotocolframeworkcanhelpindevelopingpolicyandensuringitisculturallysound.
TO CREATE POLICY THAT FITS YOUR COMMUNITY, WE SUGGEST YOU: » Takeaninventoryofcommunitystrengthsandresourcestohelpshapethepolicyfoundation.
› Ifcultureisastrength,howwilltribalcultureinfluencewhatisinyourpolicyandhowwillitwork? » Evaluatehowyourcommunityhassolvedimbalancesinthepast.
› Didthesolutionsofthepastsolvetheimbalanceandweretheyeffective?Weretheysustainedovertime?Thisinfluencewillshapeyourpolicyespeciallyifthereweretoughlessonslearnedfrompastpoliciesorsolutionsused.
» Considerhoweachdecision,creation,oractioninoneareawillimpactothers. › Createapolicythatwillbalancecommunityfactorssotheyworkinunisonandcomplementoneanother.
Therearequestionstoconsiderbefore,during,andafterthedevelopmentofpolicytomakesurepolicyiswellbalanced.Inthissection,wepresentquestionsandexamplestoillustratehowthemodel’scommunityquadrantsareintegrated.
Section 4: Implementing Tribal Protocol Framework
19
HOW WILL THE POLICY HOLISTICALLY INCORPORATE THE COMMUNITY LEVEL QUADRANTS? (E.G., ENVIRONMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE, MISSION, AND RESOURCE)
Example Policy: TraditionalTobaccoProgram&Policy—Re-introducetheuseoftraditionaltobaccothrougheducationonthedifferencebetweenTraditionalandCommercialTobacco.Policyisaimedatimprovingthehealthof
thecommunitybyreducingandpreventingtheuseofcommercialtobacco.
Environment:Thepolicyhelpstobalancetheuseoftobaccobythecommunity.Infrastructure: Thepolicybalancestherelationshipbetweencommunityprotocolandthehealthstandards.Resources:Thepolicyiscommunitydrivenwiththevoiceandexperienceofthepeople.Mission:Thepolicyhonorsculturaltraditionsandcommunitynorms.
HOW DOES THE POLICY CONSIDER THE VARIABLES (I.E. QUADRANTS) THAT MAY DISTURB THE BALANCE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY?
Example Policy: TribalCouncilpassesapolicyfocusedondivertingalleconomicdevelopmentrevenuesexclusivelytoroadsandbridges.
Environment: Apolicydivertingalleconomicdevelopmentrevenuefundstoroadsandbridgesmaybeimportant—butifthepolicydoesnotalignwiththecouncil’spriorities,isnotinclusiveofthecommunity’sneeds,orculturalprotocolisnotfollowed—theremaybeadisruptionthatcouldimpacttheotherquadrants.Infrastructure: Theeconomicdevelopmentpolicymaydisturbordisruptinformalgoverningbodiespriorities.Resources: Economicdevelopmentpolicymaydivertfundsawayfromothertribalcommunityprioritiesorneeds.Mission: Thepolicy’semphasisoneconomicdevelopmentmaynotalignwiththetribalcommunity’svalues.
WHAT FACTORS COME INTO HARMONY AND ALLOW THE COMMUNITY TO ACHIEVE ITS GOALS AND PERFORM WITH EXCELLENCE?
Example Policy:Incorporationoftribalcustomary,natural,andcommonlawwithintribaljusticesystem.
Environment: Integratingtribalcustomarylawintojusticesystemstrengthenstribalsovereignty.Infrastructure:Utilizingnaturalandcustomarylawinformsprotocolforjusticesystem.Resources: Elderscanserveasculturaladvisorstojusticesystemwhileyouthcanlearntraditionsofjusticesystemprotocol.Mission: Observanceoftraditionalcustomsand/orpracticerespectsthespiritualrealm.
Section 5: Partner
Engagement
21
Intheearlystagesof thepolicyprocess, it ishelpful to identifyandengagetribalpartners.Thiscanbeprioritizedbyevaluatingwhoisimpactedorconnectedtotheimbalanceaffectingthecommunity.Including,thecommunitywillgaugethelevelofinterest,awareness,andsupportforthesuggestedpolicysolution.Thisstrategy isuseful fororganizingthecommunityandspecificpartnersaroundthe issue,orwillhelpdetermineifpursuingpolicyisrealisticornecessary.Keepingpartnersinvolvedwillincreaseinvestmentincontributingorparticipatinginthepolicyprocess.
BENEFITS OF ENGAGING PARTNERS: » Emphasizestheimportanceofrelationshipswithinthecommunity
» Establishesapartnershipbetweenthecommunitytocreatebuy-in
» Canhelpinform(throughknowledge,perspective,orstrategicthought)theworkahead
» Increasesresources(financial,partnerships,influence,leadership)neededtopushtheworkforward
» Mayhelpidentifysupportivetribalmemberstobuildapolicybase,coalition,collective,orcommittee
» Increasesfeedbacktoensurethatalltribalmembersareconsideredandgivenavoice
WHEN ENGAGING PARTNERS: » Organizeorconnectaroundcommon/mutualcommunityissues—don’tgetcaughtupinthedetails.
» Besolution-focused,strengthsbased,opentoideas,andinclusiveofcommunity.
» Provideopportunitiesforyouthandelderstobeinvolvedthroughouttheprocess.
» Communicatethebenefitsandvalueoftheirinvolvement.
» Be prepared to frame the issue through a tribal/cultural lens or context to connect with tribal
communitymembers.
» Sharethetribe’sortribaldepartment’svisionofthefutureandhowpolicycanbeasteptowards
fulfillingthatvision.
Thefollowingtablepresentsthevariousrolesthatcommunitymemberscanplaythroughoutthisprocess.
» Assistindraftingpolicyandevaluatingpolicyimpact; » Bringenergy,enthusiasmandfreshperspectivetotheprocessasfutureleaders,innovators/visionaries; » Bridgedigitaldivide; » Can helpshiftmomentum,havelivedexperience,messengers,changemakers; » Canofferpeersupports
» Assistindraftingpolicyandevaluatingpolicyimpact; » Influenceincommunity,leaders,messengerstothepeople,educators,communityorganizers; » Canleveragerelationshipstopush policy forward
» Assistindraftingpolicy,shiftingpolicymomentumandevaluatingpolicyimpact; » Can helpvoiceconcernsofpolicy,haveexpertiseoflivedexperience; » Expertsonfamilyhealthandwellbeing,strong advocates—stewardsoftheland » Can offerpeersupports; » Can influencetribalsystemchangeanddecisionmaking
» Mentortoyouth/educationalleader,e.g.helpsyouthnavigatesystems » Helpsorganizeyouthandeducatorsandsupportfamilies,e.g.connectpeopletoresources
» Assistineducatingcommunity; » Canhelpresearch and connectfamiliestoresources
» Offershealing and education on health and resources
Roles Communi ty Members PlayYOUTH/STUDENTS
COMMUNITY CHAMPION
FAMILIES
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATOR
NURSE/CARETAKER
23
» Assistindraftingandevaluatingpolicyimpact » Great influenceincommunity,keeperandeducatorofcultureandstories » Knowledgeableontribalprotocol;expertiseoflivedexperience » Communityorganizers/mobilizer;leader/warrior
» Can organizeotheremployees,families,visionaries; » Can voice concernsofemployeesandoffersdirectserviceperspective » Understandscommunitypulse,advocates,knowledgeableofcommunityresources
» Understandhowsystemswork(e.g.infrastructure)andcancreatebuy-in » Serveasmessengers,researchers,educatorsonsystems
» Assistindraftingpolicyandevaluatingimpact; » Informsthecommunityandvoicestheirconcerns/feedbackthroughouttheprocess
» Assistindraftingandanalyzingpolicy; » Knows laws and regulations, and can educate on policy process and implications of policy;
protectstribalnationinvestments
» Communityorganizers/leaders who createasenseofsafety; » Canofferinsightviacultureandstories;educatorontribe/culture/traditions; » Key to healingcommunity‘shistorical/intergenerationaltrauma; » Possessindigenousways of knowing,e.g.ceremonialprotocol
» Passesandenforcespolicy; » Knowledgeableonpolicyprocess; » Key to changingsystems-maintaincounty/state/federalrelationships; » Representatives of tribal nations
Throughout Policy Process
TRIBAL ELDER
TRIBAL EMPLOYEE
TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS
TRIBAL COMMUNITY MEMBER
TRIBAL HEALERS / MEDICINE PEOPLE
TRIBAL LAWYER
TRIBAL COUNCIL
Section 6: Phases of Policy
Development
25
Developing polices is a group effort with many steps. The Tribal Policy Guide has simplified the process into phases. Each phase consists of a general overview, policy guidance, holistic recommendations, and a summary.
HOW TO USE THIS SECTIONThissection isorganized intofivepolicyphases.Eachphase isbrokendownusingtheRWVModelandsuggestswaystothinkthroughcriticaldetails.Phasesarenotlistedinchronologicalorder,allowingyoutostartatanypoint thatmakessenseforyourcommunity.Asshown inthefigurebelow,this isafluidprocessthatallowsforareastoberevisitedduringandafterpolicydevelopmentandimplementation.Oncepolicyisimplemented,consistentfollowupandevaluationshouldcontinuetoensureyourpolicyremainseffectiveandrelevanttoaddressingcommunityimbalances.Werecommendfollowingthepolicyphasesfigureonthenextpageasaguidetoholisticpolicycreation.
Policy Phases
27
*If policy is ineffective or does not address community imbalance, revise and re-implement.
Each phase has its own corresponding pattern!
5. Evaluation Measureeffectivenessortrackthepolicy’simpact.Shareevaluationoutcomeswithcommunity.
4. Implementation Oncepolicyisapprovedand/orpassed,strategicpolicyimplementationiscrucialtosuccessofthepolicy.
3. Writing Craftingpolicyrequiresaholisticapproachwithclearandconcisewriting.
1. Identify Imbalance & Engage Partners Identify Imbalanceandavailablestrengths/resourcesofcommunity.
2. Research & Planning Researchbestpracticethatfitsyourcommunityanddevelopplansforhowtoorganize,implement,andevaluateyourpolicy.
Seenextsectionforpolicyprocesschecklist.
ENVIRONMENT (SOCIAL, POLITICAL, COMMUNITY) » Identifyimbalancesinthecommunity.
› Hastribalcommunityexperiencedthisissuebefore? › Howisthecommunityaffected? › Isthereanincreaseinkidsnotcompletinghighschool,morevandalismofhomes,increaseinpeopledyingatanearlyage? › Hastherebeencommunitypolicyattempt? › Ifcurrentpolicyexistsandneedsupdating,seeAppendix3.1 › Arecurrentpoliciesbeingenforcedorregulated? › Ifnot,why?
» Assesscommunityreadiness–Collectfeedbackanddetermineconsensusabouttheimbalanceimpactingthecommunity.
See Appendix 1.2 for the community readiness survey
Phase One
MISSION (VALUES, VISION, PURPOSE, CULTURE) » Consultwithtriballeaders,elders,and/orspiritualleadersonpotentialsolutionsandifpolicyisnecessary. » Identifyyourtribalchampion.Insometribalcommunities,thereareidentifiedchampionsorgatekeepersthatapprove
orlendtheirsupportinaddressingcommunitychallenges. » Determineifthereisaconsultationprotocoltospeakwitheldersorspiritualleaderstomaintainculturaltraditions. » Determineifthereisculturalknowledgeandbeliefswithinthecommunityaroundtheissue.
Identify Imbalance & Engage Partners
29
RESOURCES (LEADERSHIP, COALITIONS, PEOPLE) » Identifypartnersinterested
› E.g.elders,youth,tribalstaff,orothercommunitymembers » Doesthepolicyimpactorconnecttotribalpartners,departments,oragencies?
› E.g.Education,health,economicdevelopment,socialservices,lawenforcement » Beginengagingpartners–See Section 5: Partner Engagement » Developadiversepolicycommitteeoractiongrouptostructuretheworkahead.
› E.g.youth,elders,councilmembers,tribalemployees,LGBTQ-2S,communitychampions/leaders » Think about roles people can play to move the process forward. Use everyone’s strengths
when delegating roles.
INFRASTRUCTURE (STANDARDS OF PRACTICE, STRATEGIC PLANS, MANAGEMENT, SERVICE DELIVERY)
» Ifconsideringusingpolicy,identifywhowillapprovethepolicytobeimplementedinthecommunity. › Formosttribes,policiesaresubmittedthroughatribalresolutionprocess. › Determineifthispolicyneedsresolutionoradoptionintoanexistingplan/program › Doesapresentationtoasub-committee,TribalCouncil,oradepartmentoccurpriortopolicygoingonto TribalCouncilforafinalvote?
» CheckwithTribalCouncilontheprocesstosubmitaresolutiontoadaptthepolicy.
TAKE HOME MESSAGES » Identifying community imbalances (issue or need) is key first step. » Researching impact on community members will develop partners or interest groups. » Engage partners and interest groups early to gain momentum, support, and perspective
from the community. » Decide if policy is the appropriate action. » If so, go to research and planning phase two.
INFRASTRUCTURE (STANDARDS OF PRACTICE, STRATEGIC PLANS, MANAGEMENT, SERVICE DELIVERY)
» Createalistofbestpracticesandworkwithcommunityandpartners. » Researcheffectivepoliciesorprogramsusedinsimilarcommunities—ideasresearchedmayinformthe“Writing”phase. » Developacourseofactionforpolicyapplication,implementation,enforcement,andevaluation.
› Howwillitbeapplied—whataretheactionstepsandbywhomtoensurepolicyiscarriedout? › Howwilleveryonebenotifiedaboutnewpolicy.Considercreatingasocialmarketingplan.
» Createatimelinelayingouteachstepofimplementationincludingtheintroductiontothecommunity—See Appendix 2.1 for policy implementation timeline sample.
MISSION (VALUES, VISION, PURPOSE, CULTURE) » Assurecommunity-generatedpolicyideastoalignwiththecommunity’sculturalvaluesandnorms.
› Note:notall“policies”withinacommunityarewrittenpolicies.Policiescanbeadoptedandenforcedasacommunitynormsuchasapolicywithinamanagementplanorprogramplan.
» Useacommunityledapproachinresearchingandidentifyingpolicyideastoaddressimbalance.
ENVIRONMENT (SOCIAL, POLITICAL, COMMUNITY) — ASSESS COMMUNITY READINESS » Continueengagingcommunityandleaderstocreatecommunitybuy-in. » Identifystafforcommunitymemberswithpriorexperiencewiththespecificimbalancebeingaddressed. » Identifyco-workersorcommunitychampionswithknowledge,experience,orinfluencewhocouldhelpyouwiththepolicyprocess. » Hostfocusgroups(sharingortalkingcircles)withyouth,elders,tribalemployees,etc.
› Purpose:gainperspective,knowledge,history,beliefs,andideasonhowtoaddressimbalance.
Phase TwoResearch and Planning
31
RESOURCES (LEADERSHIP, COALITIONS, PEOPLE) » Aretherefinancialcostsforimplementation(e.gtraining,purchasingmaterials,orhiringstaff)? » Creating a new policy?
› Consultwithtriballeadersonwhattypeofpolicytouse(e.g.tribaldepartmentalpolicy,tribalemployeepolicy,tribalcitizencontract,resolution,etc.).
» Findamodel/templateusedbythetribeoranothertribetogetstarted.SeeAppendix2.2a-2.2eforexamplepolicytemplates.
» Updating a current policy? › Identifypeople/research/knowledge/datatosupportandinformtherevision.
TAKE HOME MESSAGES » Research best practice interventions and other effective policies used across
Indian Country to help inform next steps. » Develop a strategic implementation plan and procedures on how policy will be
applied to establish a work plan and identify roles everyone can play.
“I DON’T THINK WE ARE THERE YET (TO DO A TRADITIONAL MEDICINE POLICY) WE ARE JUST TRYING TO
GET PEOPLE TO SEE IT, TO RECOGNIZE IT ... SOME PEOPLE MAY NOT YET RECOGNIZE ITS VALUE UNTIL
THEY HAVE A CHANCE TO TRY IT AND THEN THEY WILL BE SURPRISED IT WORKED. I DON’T THINK
WE ARE AT THE POINT WHERE A POLICY IS WHAT WE WOULD WANT TO DO YET. NOW A POLICY MAY NOT
ACHIEVE WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO OR (COINCIDE WITH) WHY WE HAVE THE MEDICINE GARDEN.”
SHAWNA,
TRIBAL DELEGATE, UMATILLA
ENVIRONMENT (SOCIAL, POLITICAL, COMMUNITY) — ASSESS COMMUNITY READINESS » Determinehowmuchcommunityinputshouldbeincludedintowrittenpolicy. » Onceadraftpolicyiswritten,multiplepartnersshouldreviewtoprovidefeedback. » Incorporatefeedbackintodraftbeforeofficiallysubmittingforapproval. » Presenttotheappropriatecommittee,department,ortribalcouncilforapproval.
MISSION (VALUES, VISION, PURPOSE, CULTURE) » Clearlystatewhatthe“ASK”isinthepolicy.
› Thepolicyshouldguidecommunitybehavior(e.g.decreasesecondhandsmokebylimiting…,increasegraduationratesby….,toimprovepublicsafetystandardspolicywill….). › See writing tips below.
INFRASTRUCTURE (STANDARDS OF PRACTICE, STRATEGIC PLANS, MANAGEMENT, SERVICE DELIVERY)
» Includetraditionallanguage,protocol,orcustomsintothepolicy—refertotribalprotocolsectionforideas. » Inclearlanguage,outlinetheprocedureforapplyingpolicyinthecommunityandidentifyhowcommunitywillenforceandevaluate
policy. » Determineappropriatecommunications/socialmarketingplantonotifycommunityofneworrevisedpolicy—utilizebest
communicationschannelstoconnectwithcommunity.
RESOURCES (LEADERSHIP, COALITIONS, PEOPLE) » Usemodel/templatesidentifiedin“researchandplanning”phase–SeeAppendix2.2-2.26forexamplepolicytemplates. » Ifapolicytemplatealreadyexistswithinthetribeusethetribe’sformatorresearchpreviouspassedresolutions. » Reachouttothepolicycommitteetohelpdraftthepolicy.
Phase ThreeWriting
33
TAKE HOME MESSAGES » Policy writing will take several revisions prior to submission to the appropriate committee
or tribal council. » Use voice and ideas of community members and partners to ensure process is inclusive,
equitable, realistic, and culturally aligned.
Writing Tips » Beclear,concise,andspecific—theintentionofpolicyshouldbeclear. » Useappropriatepolicytemplateanddefinitionsfromyourtribalcouncilorappropriateentity.Checkfor
consistency. » Be realistic. Consider the capacity and ability to achieve the proposed policy (cost, effective date,
expectationsoffollowingthepolicyafterimplementation). » Usesimple,culturallyappropriateandcommunity-specificlanguage. » Carefullyreviewexamplepolicies,trytoavoidcuttingandpastinganothertribe’spolicy.Othertribesmay
differinvaluesorbeliefs. » Communitypartnerscanassistinyourwritingefforts—integratingdiversecommunityvoiceswillhelp
createaholisticpolicy.
For additional tips, see appendix 3.1
» Determinetherighttimetoimplementnewpolicy,(e.g.,couldexternalinfluencessuchastribalelections,budgetshortage,tribalreformsorculturaleventsimpactimplementation?).
» Disseminateresourcesoreducationalinformationaboutnewpolicy. » Present/announcenewpolicyandtimelinetocommunityandstaff. » Usecommunicationchannelsthatwillreacheveryone.
MISSION (VALUES, VISION, PURPOSE, CULTURE) » Followculturaltraditionsorprotocolfornewpolicyimplementation. » Howwillyouovercomeimplementationbarriersorresistancefromthosewhoarereluctanttofollownewpolicy? » Ensureaculturalfocus/relationshipthroughoutimplementationthatisimportantforallcommunication,staffduties,and
workinthecommunity. » Trackyourpolicybrandsuccess:
›Isyourmarketingandlanguagetodescribenewpolicyresonatingwithcommunity? ›Arepeopleconnectingtoyourpolicyideasandplans?
Phase FourENVIRONMENT (SOCIAL, POLITICAL, COMMUNITY) — ASSESS COMMUNITY READINESS
Implementation
35
INFRASTRUCTURE (STANDARDS OF PRACTICE, STRATEGIC PLANS, MANAGEMENT, SERVICE DELIVERY)
» Doesnewpolicyimpactothertribalprograms/practice? › Doesthepolicyworkwithoragainstothertribalprograms/policies? › Doyouneedaplantobalancecontradictorypolicies? › Shareresourcesamongdepartments/agenciestohelpimplementationofpolicybasedontraining,workforce,ortime.
» Createacomplianceprocesstotrackhowcommunitywillfollowthepolicy. » Designfeedbackloopstotrackoutputsandmakechangestopolicyifneeded.
› E.g.,datadashboardscantrackandanalyzeperformanceofprocesses.
RESOURCES (LEADERSHIP, COALITIONS, PEOPLE) » Trainstafforleadershipinimplementation. » Identifyrolesstaffcanplay.
› E.g.trainingaboutnewpolicy,tribalcouncilbriefing,andmarketingofnewpolicy. » Leveragepartners’knowledge,strengths,leadership,connections,guidance,orinfluence. » Workwithcommunitychampionsorinfluentialcommunityleaderstospreadtheword.
TAKE HOME MESSAGES » To ensure policy success, tribal communities should create an implementation strategy
and timeline plus a communications/social marketing plan. › Can be done prior to submitting policy for approval to show decision makers
that the policy is well thought out and has a clear purpose. » Consider roles staff and community will play in implementation of new policy. » Refer to the “Research and Planning” phase to draft your implementation plan.
» Afterimplementation,communitycanreviseifpolicyisineffective. › Recommendtrackingandevaluatingthepolicy6-12monthsafterimplementation.
» Considerorganizingfocusgroupsorlocalevaluationteamtogaugepolicyeffectiveness/impactonthecommunity.
MISSION (VALUES, VISION, PURPOSE, CULTURE) » Whataretheshort/longtermgoalsandoutcomes? » Howdoesthecommunitydefinesuccess?
› Quantitative(numberofpeopleimpacted)vsqualitative(valueofimpact)data
» Whowillmeasurepolicyeffectivenessand/orefficiency? » Whatkeymeasureswillbeusedtotrackanddemonstratethepolicyiseffective? » Finalizefeedbackloops. » Agreeonkeyevaluationindicatorsandmeasurementstructuretotrackprogress(e.g.dashboard,excelsheet).
RESOURCES (LEADERSHIP, COALITIONS, PEOPLE) » Establishadatacollectionprocessthatwillinclude:
› Identificationofmeasurestocollect; › Howdatawillbestored; › Responsiblepartyfordatacollectionandanalysis; › Howdatawillbeanalyzedandsharedwithcommunity.
» Reportevaluationdata/outcomestothecommunity,partnersandtriballeadership › Datacanalsobesharedwithothertribesfacingthesameimbalances.
Phase FiveENVIRONMENT (SOCIAL, POLITICAL, COMMUNITY) — ASSESS COMMUNITY READINESS
INFRASTRUCTURE (STANDARDS OF PRACTICE, STRATEGIC PLANS, MANAGEMENT, SERVICE DELIVERY)
Evaluation
37
TAKE HOME MESSAGES
» Evaluation is important to determine impact of new or revised policy. » Selecting research and evaluation methods to monitor the progress of new policy will vary by
community. » Data collected can be used to measure effectiveness of policy. » Evaluation may serve as an accountability tool to justify additional resources, e.g., funding,
staffing, or materials. » Data can be used to communicate policy strengths or areas of improvement with current and
future projects.
Section 7: Policy Guide Checklist
39
ENVIRONMENT◊ Identifycommunityimbalance.
◊ Understandhowcommunityisaffectedbyimbalance.
◊ Collect community’s knowledge and experience on
imbalance.
◊ Determineifcommunityagreestoaddressimbalance.
INFRASTRUCTURE◊ Identifyifpreviouspolicyexistsonimbalance.
◊ Reviseorupdateexistingpolicyonimbalance.
◊ CheckwithTribalCouncilordepartmentonhow
tosubmitpolicy.
◊ Identify process on how policy is approved and
authorized.
MISSION◊ Consultwithtriballeaders,eldersorspiritualleaderson
identifiedimbalanceandwaystoaddress.
◊ Identify tribal gatekeepers who can approve or lend
support.
RESOURCES◊ Identify and engage community partner
interestsonaddressingimbalance.
◊ Develop policy committee or action group to
buildmomentum.
Phase One Identi fy Imbalance and Engage Partners
Belowisadetailedchecklisttohelpyouthinkholisticallywhenorganizing,developing,andimplementingneworrevisedpolicy.
ENVIRONMENT◊ Continueengagingandmobalizingcommunityleadersto
createbuy-inandownership.◊ Host convenings of tribal elders to better understand
communityhistoryonidentifiedimbalance.◊ Recruit community members who have knowledge,
experience, or influence to start organizing aroundimbalance.
INFRASTRUCTURE◊ Workwithcommunitypartnerstoidentifybestpractices
onaddressingimbalance.◊ Researcheffectivepoliciesorprogramsusedinsimilar
communities.◊ Develop procedures on how policy will be applied,
implemented,enforcedandevaluated.◊ Create policy implementation timeline laying out
objectives,actionsteps,andstaffroles.
MISSION◊ Use a community-based participatory approach in
researchingandidentifyingpolicyideas.◊ Holdcommunitymeetingsorfocusgroupstocollectand
input.◊ Organize policy ideas generated from community and
howtheycanbeintegratedintopolicy.
RESOURCES◊ Research how other tribes or communities have
addressedsimilarimbalances.◊ Estimatefinancialcostsforpolicyimplementationsuch
astraining,time,materials,orhiringstaff.◊ Consultwithtriballeadersonbestpoliciestouse.◊ Identify people, research, knowledge, experience, or
datatosupportneworexistingpolicyintervention.
Phase Two Research Planning – If the community, policy committee or workgroup decides to pursue a policy solution, a thorough plan must be organized that charts the proposed policy from inception to implementation. Researching best practices regarding the most appropriate response (policy, training, or program-ming) as a community will be a start. Engaging partners during this phase is critical to ensure their voice, ideas, and concerns are shared throughout the policy process.
41
ENVIRONMENT◊ Use community consensus to determine how much
communityinputwillbewrittenintopolicy.◊ Gather feedback from community partners on policy
draft.◊ Intergratefeedbackintothefinalpolicydraft.
INFRASTRUCTURE◊ Integrate tribal language, protocol, or customs into
policy.◊ Submit policy draft to appropriate committee,
department,ortribalcouncilforapproval.
MISSION◊ Policyclearlystatesintention,goals,andhowitwillbe
appliedincommunity.
RESOURCES◊ Utilizepolicycommitteetohelpdraftorupdatepolicy.◊ Follow your tribe’s format or other research to draft
policy.◊ Referencepolicytemplateswhenwritingpolicy—see
Appendix2.
Phase t hree Wri t ing – Crafting holistic policy is a group process involving clear
and concise writing. With the help of community members and partners drafting an
inclusive and effective policy can be done. The aim and effectiveness of the policy
will be strengthened by collecting and integrating as much feedback into the policy
as possible.
ENVIRONMENT◊ Assessappropriate time to implementpolicy—check
externalinfluences.
◊ Circulateresourcesorinformationaboutnewpolicy—
keyinonpolicyintentionandeffectivedate.
◊ Givepresentationsonnew/updatedpolicytocommunity
andstaff.
INFRASTRUCTURE◊ Developcommunicationsplantospreadwordaboutnew
policy.
◊ Usesocialmediaplatformstointroducenewpolicy.
◊ Ensureresourceortrainingneedsaremetforpolicy
implementation.
◊ Createacomplianceprocesstotrackhowcommunitywill
followthepolicy.
◊ Designfeedbackloopstotrackoutputsandmake
changestopolicyifneeded.
MISSION◊ Follow cultural traditions or protocol when implementing
newpolicy.
◊ Developstrategyonovercomingimplementationbarriers.
RESOURCES◊ Utilizepolicycommitteeorworkgrouptoassistinpolicy
implementationforstaffandleadership.
◊ Identifystaffrolesduringimplementationprocess.
◊ Leveragepartner’sknowledgestrengths,leadership,
connections,orinfluencetoaidimplementation.
◊ Workwithcommunitychampionsorinfluentialleadersto
spreadwordaboutnewpolicy.
Phase four Implementat ion – Once policy is approved and passed by the
authorizing body such as Tribal Council, a communications or social marketing plan
for the new policy should go into effect ensuring everyone is aware of the new policy.
43
ENVIRONMENT◊ Trackandevaluatepolicy6-12monthsafter
implementation.
◊ Hostfocusgroupstogaugepolicyeffectiveness.
◊ Reviseandre-implementifpolicyisfoundineffective.
INFRASTRUCTURE◊ Selectwhowilltrackdataonpolicyeffectivenessand
efficiency—considerorganizingaresearchteam.
◊ Identifyevaluationindicatorsandmeasurementstructure—
howcanyoutellifpolicyisworkingornot?
MISSION◊ Identifyshort/longtermgoalsanoutcomesofthepolicy.
◊ Determinehowthecommunitydefinessuccessofthe
policy.
◊ Ispolicymaintainingculturalvalues,protocoland
traditions?
RESOURCES◊ Eastablishdatacollectionprocess—seeAppendix4.
◊ Reportdataoutcomestothecommunity—ispolicy
addressingimbalance?
Phase f ive Evaluat ion – Measure effectiveness by tracking a policy’s impact. If
needed policy revisions can be done after evaluation. See appendix 5.1 for additional
information on evaluation and research tools.
Section 8:
45
Challenges in Creating
Change t hrough Policy
Tribal politics – council/councilmembersmightbeagainstpolicybecauseitconflictswith
theiragenda,policyviews,orpoliticalpreferences.
Gaintribalpartnerbuyin—findcommongroundandinterestswithtribalcouncil.
Stigma or taboo around the policy topic — communitymayfeeltheimbalance
shouldbeleftalone.
Historical/intergenerational trauma — communitymightnegativelyreactto
imbalance,feelthatitisnottheirproblem,orbringnegativeenergytothediscussion.
Community considers new policy to be too controlling —takingawayfreedom
ofpersonalchoice.
Outreachandinvolvementwiththecommunityabouttheissuebeingaddressedtogaintheirsupportfromthebeginning.
Showhowpolicywillhelprestoreharmonybackintocommunity.
Createandexecuteasocialmarketingplantobuildsupportandpositiveenergyaroundpolicy.
Understandtheissuethroughthecommunity’slens.
Developcommunitytrust—seePartnerEngagementsection.
Integratestrengths-basedlanguagethroughoutthepolicyprocess.
Useelderwisdomandguidance-incorporatingculturalteachingsandpractice.
Ifappropriate,useculturalteachingswhichmayresonatewithtraditionalcommunities.
Involvethecommunitythroughouttheprocess.
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES
47
Reluctance to change – communitymightthinkthecurrentsituationisfine.
Fear of retaliation from community/council — communitymembersorTribalCouncilmightretaliateagainstthosewhoare
behindthepolicy.
Lack of financial capacity or resources – moneycouldbeviewedasa
weaknessorbarrier.
Stirring the water/making trouble – communitycouldfeelthatpeopleshouldmindtheir
ownbusinessornotmakemattersworse.
Haveyouth/elderspresentpolicysolutionstotribalcouncil.Oftencouncillistensintentlytothesesegmentsofthecommunity.
Createandimplementasocialmarketingplantoeducateandbringawarenesstothecommunity.
Haveyouthoreldersserveaschampions.
Createasafespacetodiscussissues.Whenspaceiscreatedforconversations,therecanbesharedfeelings,information,orwisdomthatmayassistintheefforts.
Createlocalpartnerships(tribalandnon-tribal)bydevelopinganetworkthatmayhelpingainingresources,approval,orsupport.
Seekalternativefundingifresourcesarescarce(e.g.grants,fundraising,sponsorship).
Identifythereluctancebehindthefearofchange.Sometimes,thelittlestthingmaybethereasonbehindoppositionorresistance—startwithasimplediscussion.
Gaineldersupport—itwillcarrytheworkforward.
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES
TRAUMA INFORMED CARE & POLICYOver the last decade, trauma informed care has become a foundational practice in service delivery among health care, education, and public safety agencies. Given the historical and intergenerational trauma history of tribal communities, the trauma informed care model is now becoming the standard in Indian Country. Pairing policy and trauma informed care values is an opportunity to respond to the impact of trauma on tribal members and reduce re-traumatization.
49
CONCLUSIONThe Tribal Policy Guide was created as a resource for tribal nations interested in developing local community policy that aligns within the unique context, history, and identity of tribal culture. Using a tribal lens in the policy process maintains cultural continuity, honors tribal thought, and promotes tribal sovereignty. We hope the Tribal Policy Guide can be another tool in creating effective and culturally informed policy that meets the needs of your community.
Appendices
51
Anenvironmentalscanisanobservationalmethodtoassesstheinternal/externalenvironmentbycollectinginformation(data).Duringtheearlystagesofthepolicyprocess,theintentionistounderstandhowtheenvironmentmaybeinfluencingorimpactingthetribalcommunityandcreatinganimbalance.
Findings can be shared with tribal leaders, community members, and otherpartnerstogainsupportandmomentumforpolicyintervention.Theinformationgatheredcaninformthecommunityontheurgencyoftheissueortheimpactoncommunitymembers.
IMPORTANCE OF SCAN » Identifiescurrentimpactorimbalance » Assessescurrenttribalpolicyeffectivenessorlackofpolicy » Providesknowledgefordecisionmakersthatpromoteshealthandwellness » Empowerstribestoupholdresponsibilityforaddressingcommunitychallenges » Capturesimmediateinformation
Appendix 1.1 Tools
ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN AND VALUE TO THE POLICY PROCESS
STEP 1: IDENTIFY LOCATIONS (PHYSICAL/NON-PHYSICAL) » Identifywhatandwhereareyouassessing(e.g.park,housingunits,school,orofficesettings–noteeconomic,
social,political,andculturalenvironmentsaswell). » Notewhatyousee,whatdevelops,andwhatismissing. » Talkwithmemberswhoknowthecommunityandhaveconnections(traditionalandnon-traditional);well-
connectedcommunitymemberscanprovideknowledge,stories,orsharewisdomonwhatishappening.Theycanofferinsightorperspectiveonwhattoobserveandscan.
STEP 2: IDENTIFY METHODS TO CONDUCTING ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN » Keepquestionsrelevanttothetopic. » Makesurequestionsareculturallyappropriateorresponsive. » Involvecommunitypartnerssuchasyouthinthescanprocess.
Toolstocaptureinformation:checklists,statistics,fieldnotes,drawings,GPSmapping,pictures,digitalstoriesorphotovoice.Seepage58forsamplequestionnaire.
STEP 3: SCAN (EXPLORE, OBSERVE, DOCUMENT) Collectmultipleobservationsinvariouslocationsfrommultiplepeopleifpossible.
Steps to Conducting an Environmental Scan:
53
If using the RWV Model to scan environment, evaluate the relationships and interconnectedness of each community quadrant in search of areas of imbalance and balance. What kind of story or pattern begins to form? Are there reoccurring cycles? Below are questions to consider when scanning.
» Howdoeseachcommunityquadrantrelatewitheachother?Whatistherelationshipwitheachquadrantandhowdotheyworktogetherorseparatelyinacommunity?
» Istheremissinginformation,gaps,oravoidedtopicsinanyofthequadrants? » Whataresomecomplexinterrelationshipsthatdisturbthebalanceinthecommunity?
InfrastructureEnvironment
ResourceMission
Intergenerationaltraumastillimpactscommunity.
Intergenerationaltraumastillimpactscommunity.
Lackofsocialserviceprogramming(MentalHealth).
Increase of tribal youth population.
Socio-economicchallengesimpactthemajorityofcommunity
members.
Communityisamatriarchysociety.
CouncilofTribalEldersareimportantgoverningbody.
MostcommunitymembershaveHSdiploma.
*AboveisanexampleofcommunityobservationsdescribedthroughtheRWVModel(Cross,1997).
EXAMPLE: COMMUNITY TOBACCO SCAN USING INFRASTRUCTURE:
» TribalCouncilsupportscommercialtobaccopolicy » Tribalclinicsupportscommercialtobaccopolicy » Tobaccoprogram » Tobaccotax/revenue
RESOURCES: » Educationofcommercialtobacco » Clinicprovidescessationservices » Tobaccotax/revenue
MISSION: » Protectcommunity » Improveoverallhealth » Commercialtobaccofreecommunity » Reclaimingsacreduseoftobacco
ENVIRONMENT: » Traditionaltobaccoaccepted » Commercialtobaccoaccepted/rejected » Signsandashtrays » Smoke-freetribalhousing,clinic,parks,events,etc.
STEP 4: ANALYZE & INTERPRET Oncetheenvironmenthasbeenscanned,compilefindingstocreateanarrative.
» Dothefindingstellastory?
» Whatarethebehaviorsoroutcomes?
» Whatisimpactingthecommunity?
» Aretheremultipleissuesidentified?
» Arethereclearcommunityresourcesandstrengths?
Afteranalyzingandinterpretingobservations,organizefindingsinareport,narrative,orphotovoiceformandsharewiththecommunity,triballeadership,orpolicycommittee.
Note:Informationcollectedandanalyzedcanbeusedtoinformpolicyplanningandwriting.55
Possible Outcomes f rom Observat ion Scan
IMBALANCE IDENTIFIED
PresentfindingstoTribalCouncil
Impactoncommunityandimportanceofaddressingimbalance
GainTribalCouncilsupport
Gettingcouncilonboardwilldriveeffortforward
Ifcurrentpolicyexistsrevaluateeffectivenessanddevelopastrategy
MovetoPhaseTwo:ResearchandPlanningPhase
NO IMBALANCE IDENTIFIED
EndPolicyPlanning
Environmental Scan ToolVisual Checklist for Tobacco Use
57
Location:______________________________________________________________________Date:_______/______/_______
1)Isitacceptableforyouthtousecommercialtobaccointhecommunity?◊ Yes◊ No
2)Isitacceptableforadultstousecommercialtobaccointhecommunity?◊ Yes◊ No
3)Iscommercialtobaccouseallowedatthislocation?◊ Yes◊ No(skiptoQ.5)◊ Idon’tknow
4)Doyouseepeopleusingcommercialtobaccoatthislocation?◊ Yes(skiptoQ.8)◊ No(skiptoQ.10)
5)Ifcommercialtobaccouseisnotallowedatthislocation,isthereadesignatedsmokingarea?◊ Yes◊ No ◊ Idon’tknow
6)Ifcommercialtobaccouseisnotallowedatthislocation,aresignsposted?◊ Yes◊ No
7)Doyouseepeopleusingcommercialtobaccobeyondsignage?◊ Yes◊ No(skiptoQ.10)
8)Whodoyouseeusingcommercialtobaccoproducts?(Checkallthatapply.)◊ Elders◊ Adults◊ Youth
9)Whichtobaccoproductsarebeingused?(Checkallthatapply.)◊ Cigarette◊ Cigar◊ Chew/Snuff/Snus◊ E-cigarette/HookahPen/VapePen/ModBox/JUUL
◊ Other–pleasespecify:___________________________________________________
10)Doyousmellcigarettesmoke?◊ Yes◊ No
11)Areashtrayslocated…◊ Atthenosmoking/nocommercialtobaccousesign(s)◊ Atthebuildingentrance(s)◊ Noashtray(s)
12)Doyouseecigarettebutts?
◊ 1-10◊ 11-25◊ Toomanytocount◊ Nocigarettebutts
14)Wouldyoufeelcomfortableaskingapersonusingcommercialtobaccotostop?◊ Yes◊ No
Ifyes,pleasebrieflydescribethesituation:
Pleaseprovideanyadditionalcommentsyoumayhave:
59
RefertoCommunityReadinessModeldevelopedatColoradoStateUniversityTri-EthnicCenter.Thismodelmatchesaninterventiontoacommunity’slevelofreadinessforoptimalsuccess.Effortsthataretooambitiousarelikelytofailbecausecommunitymemberswillnotbereadyorabletorespond.TheCommunityReadinessModel(http://www.triethniccenter.colostate.edu/community-readiness-2/):
» Encouragestheuseoflocalexpertsandresources.
» Providesavocabularyforcommunicatingaboutreadinessandametricforgaugingprogress.
» Helpscreatecommunity-specificandculturally-specificinterventions.
» Canidentifyappropriatetypesofprevention/interventionefforts.
Thismodelcanbefoundat:http://www.triethniccenter.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2018/04/CR_Handbook_8-3-15.pdf
EXAMPLE OF COMMUNITY READINESS:NativeCARSwebsite:https://nativecars.org/
Appendix 1.2 Communi ty Readiness Tool
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SAMPLE: SMOKE-FREE TRIBAL HOUSING COMMUNITY READINESS SURVEY
The purpose of the survey is to give residents of tribal housing the opportunity to voice concerns and to voice support or opposition of a smoke-free housing policy. A smoke-free policy would ban use of non-traditional tobacco of any kind, including any nicotine delivery device and/or inhalants inside tribal housing. Tobacco use would only be allowed in designated areas outside the building(s).
The answers you give will be anonymous, so please give us your honest feedback. The survey will be used to inform Housing Department management and Tribal Council of support or rejection of a smoke-free housing policy.
Thanks for your help, let’s get started!
1.Doyoucurrentlyliveintribalhousing?◊ Yes◊ No
2.Whattypeoftribalhousingdoyoulivein?◊ Apartment◊ Duplex◊ House◊ Other(pleasespecify):__________________________________
3.Abouthowmanyyearshaveyoubeenaresident?◊ 6monthsorless◊ 6months-1year◊ 1-2years◊ 3-5years◊ 6-9years◊ 10ormoreyears
4.Doyousmokecommercialtobaccoinsideyourhome?◊ Yes◊ No
5.Doyouallowotherstosmokecommercialtobaccoinyourhome?◊ Yes◊ No
6.Doyoufeelresidentsshouldbeallowedtosmokecommercialtobaccowithintheirunit?◊ Yes◊ No
7.Doanyofyourneighborssmokewithintheirhousingunitindoororoutdoor?◊ Yes◊ No
8.Inthepastyear,howoftenhastobaccosmokeenteredyourhomefromsomewhereelseinoraroundyourhomeorbuilding?
◊ Constantly,4ormoretimesaweek◊ Frequently,1-3timesaweek◊ Sometimes,1-2timesamonth◊ Never
9.Doestobaccosmokeenteringyourhomefromneighborsorothersourcesbotheryou?◊ Yes◊ No◊ Idon’tcareeitherway
10.Areyouconcernedaboutsecondhandsmokeenteringyourhome?◊ Yes◊ No◊ Idon’tknow
11.Wouldyouprefertoliveinahomeorbuildingthatiscompletelysmoke-free,includingunits,balconies/patios,and25feetaroundthebuilding?
◊ Yes◊ No◊ Idon’tcareeitherway
12.Whichsmokingpolicywouldyouprefer?◊ Smokingoutsidethehomeontheporch◊ Adesignatedsmokingarea◊ Idonotwantatribalhousingsmokefreepolicy
13.Inyouropinion,howimportantisitfortheTribetoestablishtobacco-freetribalhousingandgrounds?
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◊ Veryimportant◊ Somewhatimportant◊ Notveryimportant◊ Notimportantatall
14.TowhatdegreewouldyousupporttheTribeinestablishingasmoke-freetribalhousingpolicy?(Smokerswouldbeallowedtoliveinthebuilding,buttherewillbenosmokinginTribalHousing)
◊ Verysupportive◊ Somewhatsupportive◊ Notverysupportive◊ Notsupportiveatall
15.Whatisyouragegroup?◊ 12-17yearsold◊ 18-24yearsold◊ 25-34yearsold◊ 15-44yearsold◊ 45-54yearsold◊ 55-64yearsold◊ 65-74yearsold◊ 75yearsorolder
16.Howmanypeoplecurrentlyliveinyourhousehold?◊ 1◊ 2◊ 3◊ 4◊ 5◊ 6ormore
17.Howmanychildrenundertheageof18liveinthehousehold?◊ 0◊ 1◊ 2◊ 3◊ 4◊ 5◊ 6ormore
Implementat ion Timeline
Appendix 1.3 Sample Policy
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1-2 MONTHS
3-4 MONTHS
5-6 MONTHS
Integrate community feedback on final draft policy
Present policy to Tribal Council — once approved implement policy
Assess community readiness to address imbalance
Engage community partners and develop policy committee
Start drafting policy and implementation plan
Gather input from community on impact of imbalance and addressing imbalance
Consult with tribal elders and spiritual leaders on protocol to address imbalance
Determine if policy is best community response
Conduct an environmental scan to identify imbalances in community
Track and measure effectiveness
Revise & re-implement policy if
6-12 MONTHS
Appendix 2: Policy Samples
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SampleBreastfeedingPolicy
“TRIBAL HEALTH CENTER”
ADDRESS:PH:FAX:
(LOGO)
BACKGROUNDResearchhasshownthathumanmilkandbreastfeedingofchildrenprovideadvantageswithregardtogeneralhealth,growth,anddevelopment,whilesignificantlydecreasingtheriskforalargenumberofacuteandchronicillnesses.Thishasthepotentialtosignificantlyreducehealthcarecosts.Otherresearchindevelopedcountriesprovidesstrongevidencethatbreastfeedingdecreasestheincidenceand/orseverityofdiarrhea,lowerrespiratoryinfection,otitismediaandmanyotheracuteconditionscommonlyaffectingchildren.
Further,thereareanumberofstudiesthatshowapossibleprotectiveeffectofbreastfeedingagainstsuddeninfantdeathsyndrome,insulin-dependentdiabetes,Crohn'sdisease,ulcerativecolitis,lymphoma,allergicdisease,andotherchronicdigestivediseases.Inaddition,breastfeedinghasbeenstronglylinkedtoenhancementofcognitivedevelopment.Laterinlife,abreastfeedingmotherexperiencesalowerrateofosteoporosisandovariancancer.
A1997HealthMaintenanceOrganizationstudyfoundthatforthefirstyearoflifetheaveragetotalmedicalcostsofbreastfedinfantswas$200lessthanthoseofbottlefedinfants.(Am.JournalofMan.Care1997;3:861-865.)
Breastmilkisidealnutritionforinfants.Itistheonlyfoodinfantsneedforgrowthanddevelopmentforthefirstsixmonthsoflife.Gradualintroductionofironrichsolidfoodsinthesecondhalfofthefirstyearshouldcomplementthebreastmilk.In1997theAmericanAcademyofPediatrics(AAP)madethefollowingrecommendations:
» Thatbreastfeedingcontinueforatleast12months,andthereafterasmutuallydesired. » Thatarrangementsbemadetoprovideexpressedbreastmilkifmotherandchildmustbeseparatedduringthefirst
year. » Thatbreastfeedingbepromotedasanormalpartofdailylife.TheAAPencouragesfamilyandcommunitysupportfor
breastfeeding. » Thatthemediabeencouragedtoportraybreastfeedingasapositivenorm. » Thattheemployerbeencouragedtoprovideappropriatefacilitiesandadequatetimeintheworkplaceforbreast
feedingandorpumping
GOALTribalHealthCenterwillsettheexampleforemployersandthecommunitybyimplementingandmaintainingapolicythatpromotesbreastfeedingintheworkplace.
POLICYProgramCoordinatorwillactastheprimarypointofcontactforthispolicy.
Usingestablishedbreakperiods,abreastfeedingemployeemaybreastfeedherinfantinnon-patientcareareasandotherareaswheremotherandinfantareotherwiseauthorizedtobe,irrespectiveofwhetherthenippleofthemother’sbreastisuncoveredduringorincidentaltothebreastfeeding.
» TheBreastfeedingemployeewillbeallowedtotakeregularmorningandafternoonbreaksasoutlinedPersonnelPoliciesandProceduresManualexceptthatmorningandafternoonbreaksshallbe30minutes in lengthtoallowenoughtimeforbreastfeedingorpumpingbreastmilk. Theemployeemustprearrangethisadditionaltimewiththeirsupervisorbycompletinga“Breastfeeding/PumpingContract,”(AppendixA).ThisformisalsoavailablefromtheEmployeeBenefitsCoordinator(EBC).TheEBC,theemployee’ssupervisorandtheemployeemusteachsignthecontract.
» Thecontractshallexpireinaccordancewiththefollowing: a. Whenthenursingchildbecomesoneyearofage. b. Ifbreastfeedingorpumpingisnolongernecessaryduringworkhours. c. Ifthechildquitsbreastfeeding.
Everyeffortwillbemadetomakeaccessibleaprivateroomwithalock.Thisbetterallowsanemployeetonurseaninfantandpumpbreastmilktobestoredforlateruse.
» Asignin/outloglocatedinthebreastfeedingorpumpingareamayberequiredforverification.
Anattemptwillbemadetolocatetheroominanareawhereacryinginfantwillnotbedisruptivetopatientsandotheremployees.Theroomwillhaveaccessibleelectricaloutletsforelectricpumpuse.
TheBreastfeedingroomshall,ataminimum,containacomfortablechair,asmalltableandawastebasket.
Arefrigeratormayalsobeavailableforsafestorageofbreastmilk.
Breastfeedingwomenwillprovidetheirowncontainersandallmilkstoredinacommonrefrigeratorwillbeclearlylabeledwithnameanddate.Asalways,employeeswhousetherefrigeratorshallberesponsibleforkeepingitclean.
Forareaswithoutarefrigerator,asecureareawillbeavailabletostoreapersonalicechestorthermos.
Employeeswhobringtheirinfantintoworktonurseshallcleanupafterthemselvesandmaintainasafeandsanitaryenvironment.Theymustprovidetheirowndiapersandotherbabycareitemsensuringthatallaredisposedofinanappropriate,outdoortrashreceptacle.
BENEFITMotherswithaformulafedinfantmissedworkthreetimesmoreoftenbecauseoftheirinfant’sillnessesthandidmotherswhobreastfedtheirinfants.
Itcanthereforebepredictedthatbreastfeedingwillroutinelyresultinlowerabsenteeism,higherproductivity,increasedcompanyloyalty,increasedemployeemoraleandlowerhealthcarecosts.
REVIEW, UPDATES AND REVISIONSThispolicyshallbereviewedannuallyandrevised/updatedasneeded.
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“TRIBAL HEALTH CENTER”
ADDRESS:
PH:
FAX:
AppendixA
Breastfeeding/Pump Contract
I, ,enterintothisbreastfeeding/pumpcontractsothatIcancontinuetonourishmychildwithbreastmilkbypumpingorbreastfeedingduringworkhours.
Iunderstandthat: » Thiscontractisformotherswhobreastfeedandthatitwillallowmetousethestandardlunchhourandto
extendthestandard15-minutebreakto30minuteseachmorningandafternoon.
» ImayberequiredtosigninandsignoutwhenIusethedesignatedbreastfeedingarea.
» Thiscontractmustbeapprovedbymysupervisingmanagementteammembertoassurethatmydepartment’sdailyworkloadisnotcompromised.Ialsounderstandthataperiodicreviewmaybeconductedtoassurethatthisarrangementhasnotnegativelyimpactedmyperformance.
» OnceIhavestoppedbreastfeedingthiscontractends.
» IfIchoosetobreastfeedmybabyImustmaintainsafetyandsanitationstandardsandwillensuresoiledbabycareitemsanddiapersaredisposedofinoutdoortrashreceptacles.
» Ifthereismisuseorinappropriateuseofthisbenefit,thiscontractwillimmediatelybecancelled.
ParticipantSignature Date
Supervisor Date
EmployeeBenefitsCoordinator Date
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Healthy Foods Policy
DEPARTMENTNAME: HealthEducation,FoodSecurityProgramPOLICYTITLE: YouthEventFoodPolicyPOLICYNUMBER:
I. PURPOSE:
Thepurposeofthispolicyistoestablishnutritionalstandardsforfoodandbeveragesservedat[TRIBE]TribalHealth&FamilyServicesyouth-focused(ages0-18)activitiesandevents.Thestandardsaredesignedtoincreasehealthyfoodoptionsandprovideaccesstotraditionalfood.Theintentofthispolicyistomodeldietaryhabitsthatsupporthealthylivingandsupportculturallyappropriatesustainablefoods.
Thereisoverwhelmingevidencethattheeliminationoftraditionalfoodshashadadversehealth,social,economic,andspiritualeffectsonNativeAmericanpeople.Thereisadirectlinkbetweentheepidemicratesofdiabetesandthediminishingconsumptionoftraditionalfoods.Thispolicywillsupport,utilizeanddemonstratelocal,culturallyappropriateandsustainablefoodsystems.Itishopedthattheincreasedconsumptionoftraditionalfoodswillleadtoarevitalizationoftraditionalceremonialactivitiescenteringaroundthetraditionalfood(s)harvestcyclesbecausecultureisprevention.
II. POLICY:
Itisthepolicyof[TRIBE]toprovidehealthyfoodatyoutheventstoincludeatleastonetraditionalfoodchoice.Fat,sugar,sodium,geneticallymodifiedorganisms(GMO’s),andotherunhealthyfoodchoiceswillberestricted(SeeIII.Procedure).
Thispolicyoutlinesnutritionalandservingsizeguidelinesformeals,snacksandbeveragesservedatyouthevents;healthyandtraditionaloptionsareincluded.Foodandbeveragechoicesthatarehighinsugarandfat,servedinlargeportions,and/orcontainGMO’scontributetoobesity.Obesityisakeyriskfactorforseveralchronicdiseasesincludingdiabetes,heartdiseaseandsomecancers.
Thispolicyrequiresthatatleastoneculturallyappropriatetraditionalfooditemisofferedwitheachmeal.Thiswillimprovethenutritionalcontentofitemsservedandexposeyouthtothetraditionalfoodsofthe[TRIBE]people.Inaddition,thispolicyaimstocreateanenvironmentthathelpsindividualsmakepositivebehaviorchangestosupportahealthylifestyle.Thisalsohelpstosupportasustainableagriculturalsystembycreatinglocaldemandforhealthyandculturallyappropriatetraditionalfoods.
III. PROCEDURE:
Whenselectingfoodandbeverages,[TRIBE]staffwillusenutritionguidelinesasoutlinedbelow,endorsethelistofculturallyappropriatetraditionalfoodsandutilizethe“Non-GMOShoppingGuide”(attachedandavailableathttp://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com).
IV. NUTRITION STANDARDS FOR HEALTHY FOODS & BEVERAGES AND TRADITIONAL FOODS OPTIONS:
A. All foodsineachofthecategoriesbelowmustbeorganic,non-GMOandcontainnoartificialsweeteners.Whenpossible,selectionsshouldbelocallygrown,harvestedandprepared.
B. The Meal Nutrition Guidelines:allmealswillcomplywiththefollowingnutritionalguidelinesfromtheDietaryGuidelinesforAmericans,2010,USDA:
http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/DietaryGuidelines/2010/PolicyDoc/PolicDoc.pdf
1. 35%orlesscaloriesfromfat;lessthan20gramsoffatpermeal.2. Lessthan10%ofcaloriesfromsaturatedfats;lessthan7gramssaturatedfatpermeal.3. Lessthan8gramsofsugarpermeal.4. Nomorethan500-700milligramsofsodiumpermeal.5. Approximately600Kcalpermeal.6. Atleast8gramsoffiberpermeal.
G. Main Dish:Themaindishreferstoasingleentreeormealcomponentsuchasacasserole,pastadish,sandwich,specialtysalad,stir-fry,meat/fishserving,orgrilleditem.1. 1.Caloriesperitemmaynotexceed600kcal-individualservingsizesonly.2. Totalcaloriesfromfatmaynotexceed30%;lessthan20gramsoffatpermeal.3. Sugarcontentmaynotexceed8gramspermeal,exceptforfruitsandvegetables.4. Trans-fatmaynotexceed0.5gramsperserving.5. Sodiummaynotexceed250milligramsperservingor700milligramspermeal.6. Meats,suchasbeefandfishshallbelimitedto5-ounceservingorlessandmustmeetFDAlabelingdefinition
oflean.a. Lessthan7gramsoffat.b. Lessthan4.5gramssaturatedfat.c. Lessthan95milligramscholesterolper100-gramserving.
7. Redmeatandchickenmustbesustainablyraisedandharvested;thismeanscertifiedorganic/non-GMOgrassand/orgrainfed,hormoneandanti-bioticfree.
8. Fishmustbewild;non-ranchraised,non-GMOandfreshwhenpossible,notfrozen.9. Cannedtuna,seafood,salmonandredmeatmaynotexceed250milligramsofsodiumperserving.7. Acceptablecookingmethodsinclude;baked,roasted,steamed,broiledorsautéedina
smallamountofoilthatislowinsaturatedfat.
H. Side Item:Thesideitemcategoryreferstoanydishesservedalongsidethemaindish.Examplesofsidedishitemsmightincluderice,potatoes,breads/rolls,fruitsorvegetableswithaddedingredients,sauces,andsaladdressings.Allmustbeorganic,non-GMOand,wheneverpossible,locallygrown,harvestedandprepared(within100miles).1. Caloriesperitemmaynotexceed250kcalperindividualservingsize.2. Totalcaloriesfromfatmaynotexceed30grams.3. Sugarcontentmaynotexceed8gramspermeal,exceptforfruitsandvegetables.4. Trans-fatmaynotexceed0.5gramsperserving.5. Sodiummaynotexceed250milligramsperservingor700milligramspermeal.
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F. Fruit/Vegetable: Thefruit/vegetablecategoryreferstofresh,frozen,dried,orcannedfruitand/orvegetables.Allmustbeorganic,non-GMOandwheneverpossible,locallygrown,harvestedandprepared(withinI00miles).Ifadditionalingredientsareaddedtothefruitorvegetables,thesideitemcategorycriteriashouldbeused.
1. Seasonallyavailablelocalfruitsandvegetablesarealwayspreferred.2. Allfresh,steamedorcookedvegetablesshallhavenoaddedfatsand/orcreamsauce.3. Cannedvegetables;sodiumlessthanorequalto250milligramsperservingorlessthan700milligrams
permeal.4. Allfresh,frozen,cannedordriedfruitswithoutaddedsugarorsodium.5. Cannedfruitspackedin100%waterorunsweetenedjuice,withnoaddedsweeteners(nosyrup-packed
fruit;nohighfructosecornsyrup).
F. Bread and Other Grains: Thebreadandothergrainscategoryreferstobreads,pasta,starches,cereals,andbakedgoods.
1. Whencerealgrainsareoffered,awholegrainoptionmustbeofferedforthatitem;examplesincluderice, breadandpasta.
2. Wholegrainproductmustlistwholewheatflour,sproutedwheatflourorwholegrainflourasfirstingredientonfoodlabels.
3. Breads,grains,andcerealscontainmorethanthreegramsoffiberperserving.4. Breadandbakedgoodsmaynotexceed250milligramsofsodiumperservingor700milligramspermeal.
E. Cheese, Milk and Other Dairy Products:Thecheese,milkandotherdairyproductscategoryreferstomilk,cheeseandyogurtproducts.Allcow’smilk,andotherdairyproductsderivedfromcows’milkofferedmustbehormoneandantibioticfreefromcowsfednon-GMOdietsandlabeledrbGHorrbSTfree(seetheNon-GMOShoppingGuide).
1. Ifmilkisofferedasabeverage,anon-dairysubstituteforthelactoseintolerantsuchasnon-GMOsoy,almond,rice,orhempmilkmustalsobeoffered.
2. Ifcows’milkisoffered,onlyofferorganic2%,1%orfatfreemilk.3. Ifcottagecheeseitemsareoffered,onlyofferlowfat,2%,1%orfatfreeitems4. Ifyogurtisoffered,onlyoffer2%,1%orfatfreeGreekyogurtwithnoaddedcaloricsweeteners.
E. Snacks:Thesnackcategoryreferstopackagedorportioneditemssuchaspretzels,chips,crackers,cookies,ormuffins.
1. Caloriesperitemmaynotexceed250kcal-individualservingsizesonly.2. Totalcaloriesfromfatmaynotexceed30%,exceptforfoodsthataremainlynuts,eggs,cheese,non-fried
vegetables,legumes,orseeds.3. Caloriesfromsaturatedfatmaynotexceed10%,exceptforfoodsthataremainlynutsandseeds.4. Sugarcontentmaynotexceed8grams,exceptforfruitsandvegetables.5. Transfatmaynotexceed0.5gramsperserving.6. Sodiummaynotexceed230milligramsperserving.
G. Beverages:Thebeveragecategoryreferstoalldrinkitems.Drinkitemscontainingaspartameoranyotherartificialsweetenersarenotallowed.Theuseofsingleservingdisposalplasticbottlesand/oranytypesingleservingcontainersthatisnotreusableorcompostableisstronglydiscouraged.
1. Plainfiltered(notdistilled)watershallalwaysbeofferedwitheverymeal.2. Whenjuiceismadeavailable,offer100%fruitorvegetablejuicewithnoaddedsaltsorsweeteners;
maximum12ounceservingsizeandmustbenomorethan180calories.3. Vegetablejuicemaynotexceed230milligramsofsodiumperserving.4. Nocaloricallysweeteneddrinkitemsshallbeserved(examplesincludesodapop,KoolAid,artificially
sweetenedwaterproducts,andsportdrinks).
E. Traditional Foods Options: Thiscategoryreferstotraditionalfoodsofthe[Tribe].Traditionalfoodsarethosewholeandancientfoodsthathavebeeneatenforcenturiesandevenmillennia.Theyarethefoodsthatyourgreat-great-great-great-greatgrandmotherandgrandfatherwouldhaveeaten.Theyarefoodsintheiroriginalform,astheywerecreated.Thesefoodsarenotmodernized,processedorpackaged.Theyarefoodsthathavealonghistoryofsupportinggoodhealth;foodsthatarewhole,nutrient-dense,simple,andbasicincluding:meatandpoultry,eggs,wholegrains,fish,beansandlegumes,vegetables,fruitsandberries,roots,nuts,andseeds.Forthe[Tribe],traditionalfoodswouldincludebutnotbelimitedto:
1. Wildgame:bear,beaver,bighornsheep,buffalo,deer,elk,antelope,andpronghorn.2. Fish:wildsalmon,steelhead,trout,sturgeon,lampreyeel,cwam(forceremonialuse.)3. Fowl:duck,goose,grouse,quail,andwildturkeyandtheireggs.4. Fruits&berries:blueberries,chokecherries,currants,elderberries,goldenberries,gooseberries,
huckleberries,juniperberries,Oregongrape,raspberries,salmonberries,serviceberries,snowberries,wildplums,andwildstrawberries.
5. Roots:biscuitroot,bitterroot,camas(blue),desertparsley,Indiancarrot(wildcarrot),ipos;aka“yampa,”andwildonion.
6. Nutsandseeds:amaranth,pinenuts,rosehips,andwocus.7. Plants:buckwheat,cattails,cowparsnips,dandelions,fieldmint,miner’slettuce,nettles,wildcelery,and
wildginger.8. Fungus&lichens:blacklichen,andmushrooms(variousvarieties).9. Other:groundhog,rabbit,prairiedog,porcupine,andturtle.
J. First Foods:Recognizingthatalltribeshadanextensivetrade&bartersystempre-contactthatcontinuestoday,therearemanytraditionalfoodsthatarenativetothiscontinentbutnotnecessarilylocal.Inthisspirit,thesefoodslistedbelowarerecognizedandendorsedasfirstfoods.Insupportofasustainableagriculturalsystem,itispreferredthatthesefoods(notacompletelist)comefromalocal,sustainablesource:
1. Acorns,barley,beans,cranberries,com,ferns,hazelnuts(filberts),hominy,marionberries,moose,mountaingoat,mussels,peppers,popcorn,pumpkin,quinoa,sassafras,shellfish,sunflowerseeds,squash(variousvarieties),tomatoes,wapato,andwildrice.
B. Food Containers:Allfoodcontainersandservicewareshallbemadefromsustainable,reusableorcompostable,bleachfree,non-Styrofoammaterials.Thisincludescontainersusedforserviceand/orleftoverfoods(paperplates,cups,bowls,andutensils).
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[TRIBE] Department Director or Manager Date
[TRIBE] Department Director or Manager Date
TRIBAL COUNCIL CERTIFICATION
We,theundersigned,TribalCouncilChairmanandSecretaryofthe[TRIBE],doherebycertifythatatascheduledTribalCouncilmeetingheldonthe dayof ,20XX,whereaquorumwaspresent,theTribalCouncildulyadoptedthis[TRIBE]policyandprocedurebyavoteof for, opposed,and abstention/s.
Name, Tribal Council Chairman Name, Tribal Council Secretary[TRIBE] [TRIBE]
Authorization:
Author: HealthEducationDepartmentResponsibility: AdministrationInternal Approval By: HealthGeneralManagerUltimate Approval By: Tribal CouncilDate Effective:Date Reviewed/Revised:Supersedes(Date/Policy):Next Review Date:
SMOKE-FREE TRIBAL HOUSING POLICY[PolicyNumber][HousingAuthority][EffectiveDate]
PURPOSEThepurposeof thispolicy is tosupport the [Tribal]TobaccoPolicy topromotesmoke freeareasand reduce theriskofsecond-handsmoketoallresidentsinthe[TribalHousingCommunity].Theelderlyandyoungpopulations,aswellaspeoplewithchronic illness,arevulnerabletothehealtheffectsofsecond-handsmoking. It ispossiblefortheenvironmentaltobaccosmoketomigratebetweenunitsinmultifamilyhousing,causingrespiratoryillness,heartdisease,cancer,asthma,andotheradversehealtheffectsforthoselivinginneighboringresidences.ThehealthofourpeopleisofutmostimportanceanditistheresponsibilityoftheTribetocreatehealthysocialnormsforourcommunityandouryouthsendingamessagethatcommercialtobaccouseisharmfultothebody.Further,itisanefforttopreventanyphysicalwearanddamagecausedbysmokingtotheTribalhousingunits.Alltenants,employees,andguestswithinthehousingcommunityshallbesubjecttothispolicy.
IMPLEMENTAIONSecondhandsmokeisthesmokethatcomesfromtheburningoftheendofacigarette,pipe,cigar,butnottoexcludeelectroniccigarette,hookah,vapordevices,orelectronicsmokingdevices(ESD)andisexhaledfromthelungsofthesmoker.
» CommercialtobaccouseistheleadingcauseofpreventabledeathanddiseaseandAmericanIndianandAlaskanNativepeoplesufferserioushealthconsequencesincludingheartdiseaseandcancer.
» Itisrecognizedthatsmokingisdangeroustothehealthofthesmoker.Tobaccosmokeinaconfinedareaalsocreatesahealthhazardtonon-smokers,especiallythosesufferingfromheartdisease,respiratorydisease,orallergies.
» Secondhandsmokeisahealthhazardtoallindividualsandviolatestheirprivilegeofbreathingairfreefromtobaccosmokecontaminants.Vaping(alsoknownase-cigarettes,hookahs,etc.)createsanaerosolofexhalednicotine,ultra-fineparticles,volatileorganiccompounds,andothertoxins.ChemicalsidentifiedinElectronicSmokingDevices(ESD)includecarcinogensandreproductivetoxins.
» Smoke-filledhomesresultinhigherratesofrespiratorydisease,lowerworkproductivity,highercleaningandmaintenancecosts,increasedhealthinsurancerates,andincreasedliabilityclaimsfordiseasesrelatedtosecondhandsmokeexposure.
» IthasbeendeterminedbytheU.S.SurgeonGeneralthatthereisnosafelevelofexposuretosecondhandsmoke,airventilationsystemsdonotwork,andthatonlycompletelysmoke-freeenvironmentscanprotecthealth.
» Additionalcoststoupkeephousingvacatedbysmokersandmakeaunitmove-inreadyincludes-butisnotlimitedto-painting(tocoversmokestains),cleaningtheducts,replacingstainedcurtainsandblinds,removingcarpetingthathasbeencigaretteburnedwithsmokedfilledodor.Anon-smokingpolicyisanothergoodapproachtoreducecost.
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» TribalHousingAuthority(THA)optingtoimplementnon-smokingpolicyshouldupdateTHAhandbook.Plansshouldincludethetribe’sstatementofoperation,managementrulesandrevisedleaseagreementstoincludenon-smokingprovision.
» Tenantswillbegiventwocopiesofthesmoke-freepolicy.Afterreview,thetenantwillsignbothcopiesandreturntoTHAandbeplacedinthetenant’sfile.
» Allhousingunits,buildingsandfacilityareconsiderednon-smokingareas.Itistheresponsibilityoftheresidentstomakesurenoonesmokesinsidethehousingunit.
» SmokingisallowedoutsideatdesignatedsmokingareasORpermitted15to20feetfromCommunityPark,playground,andothercommonusefacilities.Therefore,secondhandsmokewillnotenterthebuildingorarea,norwillresidentsorguestshavetowalkthroughsecondhandtobaccosmoketoenterorleavethebuilding,adjacentbuildings,orarea.Allcigaretteorcigarbuttsmustbeplacedinanappropriatenon-combustiblecontainerandnotthrownontheground.
» Itistheobligationofeachresidenttodemonstrateresponsibleactionsbyshowingrespectfortheirhousingcostsbymaintainingpropercareandupkeepoftheirunitandsurroundingareas.
TENANT CERTIFICATION
IhavereadandunderstandtheabovepolicyandIagreetocomplyfullywithitsprovisions.Iunderstandthatfailuretocomplymayconstitutereasonforterminationofmyhouseagreementwith[TribalHousingAuthority].
Print Name:
Signature: Date:
Address:
SMOKE-FREE SCHOOL CAMPUS POLICY
[PolicyNumber][NameofSchool][MeetingDate]
Inaccordancewithfederalrequirements[Nameofschool]willprovideasmoke-freeenvironmentforchildrenandadultswhoattendthisschool.ThePolicycomesintoeffecton[Date].
POLICY [NameofSchool]isdedicatedtoprovidingahealthful,comfortableandproductiveworkenvironmentforchildren,staffandfamilies.TheUnitedStatesSurgeonGeneral,inthe1986report,TheHealthEffectsofinvoluntarySmoking,concludedthat:
» Involuntarysmokingisthecauseofdisease,includinglungcancer,inhealthynonsmokers. » Thesimpleseparationofsmokersandnonsmokerswithinthesameairspacemayreduce,butdoesnoteliminate,the
exposureofnonsmokerstoenvironmentaltobaccosmoke.
Inlightofthesefindings,[NameofSchool]shallbeentirelysmoke-free.Smokingwillbestrictlyprohibitedwithintheschool’sbuilding,includingoffices,hallways,playgrounds,restroomsandcommunityareas.Thispolicyappliestoallemployees,parents,contractorsandvisitors.Copiesofthispolicyshallbedistributedtoallemployees.“NoSmoking”signsshallbepostedatallbuildingentrances.
Thesuccessofthispolicywilldependuponthethoughtfulness,considerationandcooperationofsmokersandnonsmokers.Allemployeesshareintheresponsibilityforadheringtoandenforcingthepolicy.Anyproblemsshouldbebroughttotheattentionoftheappropriatesupervisorandhandledthroughthenormalchainofcommand.Employeeswhoviolatethispolicywillbesubjecttothesamedisciplinaryactionsthataccompanyinfractionofotherprogramrequirements.
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COMMERCIAL TOBACCO RESOLUTION
Resolution #
Title: Resolution for the Elimination of Commercial Tobacco in [Tribal Housing, Work Place, Enclosed Public Places, and Events].
WHEREAS,The________________________________[nameoftribe],isasovereignnation;
WHEREAS, AmericanIndianandAlaskaNativepeoplehavethehighestrateoftobaccouseinthe[Region/State];
WHEREAS, CommercialtobaccouseistheleadingcauseofpreventabledeathanddiseaseandAmericanIndian/AlaskanNativepeoplesufferserioushealthconsequencesincludingheartdiseaseandcancer;
WHEREAS,Secondhandcommercialtobaccosmokeexposureisanotherleadingcauseofpreventabledeath,andcausesdiseaseinhealthynonsmokers,includingheartdisease,stroke,respiratorydisease,asthma,andcancer;
WHEREAS,IthasbeendeterminedbytheU.S.SurgeonGeneralthatthereisnosafelevelofexposuretosecondhandsmoke,airventilationsystemsdonotwork,andthatonlycompletelysmoke-freeenvironmentscanprotecthealth;
WHEREAS,AsignificantamountofsecondhandsmokeexposureforAmericanIndian/AlaskanNativeadultsandchildrenoccursinthehome,workplaceandpublicfacilitiesandevenshortexposuresmayresultinseriousadversehealtheffectsandevendeath;
WHEREAS, ElectroniccigarettesoranyvaporproductsarenotaharmlessalternativetotraditionalcigarettesandarenotFDAapprovedcessationdevices;
WHEREAS, Commercialtobacco-freehomes,workplaces,andpublicprotectpeoplefromsecondhandsmoke,reducecommercialtobaccouseoverall,supporthealthylifestyles,modelhealthybehavior,andsupportquitattempts;
WHEREAS,ThehealthofourpeopleisofutmostimportanceanditistheresponsibilityoftheTribetocreatehealthysocialnormsforourcommunityandouryouth,therebysendingaclearmessagetoallthatcommercialtobaccoproductsareharmfultothebody;
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WHEREAS, Commercialtobacco-freetribalworkplaceswillprotectthehealthofourchildren,grandchildren,families,andcommunitymembers.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED thattobaccouse,includingelectroniccigarettesordevicesshallbeprohibitedwithinthefacilitiesowned,operated,orleasedbytheTribeincluding:
a. allareasindooroftribalhousing;b. allareaswithinenclosedplacesthatareopentoandfrequentedbythepublic;c. allareaswithinplacesofemployment;andd. alloutdoorareaswithin50feetofentrances,exits,andwindowsthatopentoenclosedpublicplacesandplacesof
employment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that“nosmoking”signsortheinternational“nosmokingsymbol(apicturerepresentingaburningcigaretteenclosedinaredcirclewitharedbaracrossthecigarette)within50feetshallbeclearlypostedineverybuildingorotherareawheresmokingsoprohibitedbythisarticle,includingprivateresidencesusedasachildcare,adult,orhealthcarefacility.Everypublicplacewherecommercialtobaccouseisprohibitedshallhavepostedateveryentranceaconspicuoussignstatingthatsmokingisprohibited.
CERTIFICATIONIherebycertifythattheaboveresolutionwasdulyadoptedataregularmeetingoftheTribeonthis dayof (20XX)atwhichaquorumwaspresent,withavoteoffor,against,abstentions,absent.
(Name),President/Chair Date
ATTESTED:
(Name),TribalAdministrator Date
CORE ELEMENTS OF POLICY TYPICALLY CONTAIN: » Nameortitleofpolicy » Adoptionorapprovaldate » Effectivedateforpolicyimplementation » Whoapprovedorauthorizedpolicy/authored » Whoisaffectedbythepolicyorintendingtoimpact(population,dept.ororganization) » Purposeofthepolicy(courseofaction/plan)—whatdoesitplantodoandhow?Whatarethestepsand
actionsinvolved? › Examplescouldbepolicywilleliminateimbalance,reduceimbalance,orkeepimbalancefromgetting
out of control » Outlineofresponsibilitiesandauthorities(whodoeswhatandwhoisauthorized) » ImplementationPlan/Stagesincludes:staffroles,timelineofimplementation,communicationsplan,
procedureofpolicy,regulationofpolicy,andevaluationprocedure
Note:Checkifthetribehasanexistingpolicyorresolutionformattofollow—asktribalcounciloffice,triballegalcounsel,ortribalcourtforexistingtemplates.
Appendix 3: Tips on Wri t ing Policy
83
WHEN WRITING ENSURE POLICY: » Isexpressedasbroadstatementsaddressingthe“what”and/or“why” » Clearlystateswhatimbalanceisbeingaddressed. » Clearlyexpressestheexpectedoutcomeofthepolicy(whythesuggestedpolicyisneeded). » Iswritteninshortsentencesandparagraphs—avoidusingtechnicaljargon,legalterms,acronyms,orfancyvocabulary. » Iswritteninactivevoice—identifieswhoisperformingaction.
› Passivevoice:RegulationshavebeenproposedbytheDepartmentofLabor. › Activevoice:TheDepartmentofLaborproposednewregulations.
» Itiseasytoreadmeaninginclearandconciselanguage. › Incorporatetriballanguagewhennecessary.
» Providesguidanceondecisionmakingorcourseofactiononpolicyissue,whowillconductoversight,andofferanaccountabilitymechanism(whathappensifpolicyisnotfollowed).
» Reflectscurrenttribalregulations,law,constitution,bylaws,codes,mission,goals,values,philosophies,culture/tradition,protocol,andtraditional/customarylaw(citerelevantlaws,regulations,orcodesinthebodyofthepolicyifnecessary). › Requirescheckinginwithtribalcouncil,triballegalcounsel,elder’scouncilortribalcourttoensurethepolicyis
alignedwiththeabovementioned. › Customarylaw:“setofcustoms,practices,andbelievesthatareacceptedasobligatoryrulesofconductbyindigenous
peoplesandlocalcommunities.“(2016WorldIntellectualPropertyOrganization)
Appendix 4: Evaluat ion and Research Tools
85
Selectingresearchandevaluationmethodstomonitortheprogressofthenewpolicywillvary
bycommunity.Evaluationisanimportanttooltohelpdeterminetheimpactofneworrevised
policy.Thedatacollectedcanbeusedascredibleevidenceof thepolicy’seffectivenesson
theintendedoutcome.Itmayalsoserveasanaccountabilitytoolthatcanjustifyadditional
resourcessuchasfunding,staffing,ormaterials.Datacanbeastructuredwaytocommunicate
policy strengthsandareasof improvementwith thecommunity, stakeholders, orpartners.
Data collected can be sharedwith other tribal departments or communities to be used on
futurepolicyprojects.Belowisanoverviewofevaluationandresearchinformationtoinform
howtoapproachevaluatingpolicy.
“If you research what t he communi ty values, t he communi ty will value what you research”
—Anonymous
Data presented as percentages, interval, ratios, nominal, or ordinal numbers
Answers questions:◊ “How many?”◊ “Who was involved?” ◊ “How much did it cost?”
Data may be collected using:◊ Surveys or questionnaires ◊ Pretests/post-tests ◊ Review of data from documents or databases◊ Observation
QUANTITATIVE DATA – INFORMATION COLLECTED AND EXPRESSED THROUGH NUMERICAL
Qualitativedataisveryusefulinhelpingtocreatethenarrativetosupportpolicy
development.Itgivesthe“why”behindwhatisgoingoninthecommunity.It
is alsoeasier tocommunicatequalitativedata topartnersorpolicydecision
makersbasedontheirabilitytorelatetothedata.
87
QUALITATIVE DATA – INFORMATION CAPTURED THAT IS NOT IN NUMERICAL
Focus is on value of experiences of community or stakeholders, i.e. storytelling
Answers questions:◊ “What value was added?” ◊ “Tell me about your experience with…”◊ “Describe how this policy has impacted you”
Data may be collected using:◊ Surveys or questionnaires◊ Interviews◊ Observations◊ Focus groups◊ Formal/Informal conversations
Whencollectedcorrectly,quantitativedatacangivepreciseinformationon
theeffectivenessofthepolicy.However,usingonlythisapproachmaynot
explainthewholecontextorcomplexityofthecommunityimbalances(i.e.
Communityvoicemaybehardtounderstandthroughnumericalvalues).
MIXED METHODS APPROACH – Pairsquantitativeandqualitativeoutcomedatatotellthestoryofchangeovertime.Indigenousevaluationapproachesoftenuseamixedmethodtotellthestoryofthecommunity.
Tribal data indicators: Restoringbalanceandharmonywithinthecontext,mental,physical,andspiritualself Resilience Connection to culture
Examples of evaluation scales: CommunityBasedParticipatoryResearch StrengthsEnhancingEvaluationResearchModel
STARTING YOUR RESEARCH AND EVALUATION FOUNDATION BEGINS WITH ESTABLISHING A DATA COLLECTION PROCESS:
◊ Identifyvariablestocollect;◊ Decidehowdatawillbestored;◊ Chooseresponsiblepartyfordatacollectionsandanalysis;◊ Decidehowdatawillbeanalyzedandhowdatawillbereportedbacktothecommunity.
Manytribeshavepartneredwithoutsideresearchentitiessuchastribalepidemiologycenters,universities,colleges,consultants,ornon-profitorganizationswhenplanningtheirevaluationsandcollectingdata.Ifthetribalcommunityhasthecapacity,knowledge,andexperienceinresearchevaluation,considerusingcommunityresourcesbeforeoutsourcingtonon-tribalsources.
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Cross,Terry,(1997),RelationalWorldviewasanOrganizationAssessmentandTechnicalAssistanceModel.(pp.2,4).Portland,OR:NationalIndianChildWelfareAssociationCouncilonAccreditation(2006),HowtoDevelopaPolicyTipSheet,8thEditionStandards,Retrievedfromwww.coanet.org
NationalCongressoftheAmericanIndians,WashingtonD.C.,Retrievedfromhttp://www.ncai.org/resources/resolutions-homeNativeCARS.(2019).NativeCARS(ChildrenAlwaysRideSafe).RetrievedfromNativeCARSAtlas:www.nativecars.org
Kovach,M(2009).IndigenousMethodologies:Characteristics,Conversations,andContexts,UniversityofTorontoPress,CanadaRetrievedfromhttps://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/qualdata.php
Meenaghan,ThomasM.,Kilty,KeithM.,McNutt,JohnG.(2004),SocialPolicyAnalysisandPractice,LyceumBooks,INC.,Chicago,Illinois.
PublicHealthLawCenter(June2015),WilliamMitchellCollegeofaLaw,St.Paul,MN
TribalTobaccoPolicyProject,NorthwestPortlandAreaIndianHealthBoard,NationalCancerInstituteGrant,OregonStateUniversity,OregonResearchInstitute
UniversityofCaliforniaPolicyProcess,PolicyStylebook,Retrievedfromhttp://www.ucop.edu/ethics-compliance-audit-services/_files/policy-toolkit/pol-stylebook.pdf
WorldIntellectualPropertyOrganization,(2013)CustomaryLaw,TraditionalKnowledgeandIntellectualProperty:AnOutlineoftheIssues,p.2,Retrievedfromhttp://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/tk/en/resources/pdf/overview_customary_law.pdf
WorldIntellectualPropertyOrganization(2016),CustomaryLawandTraditionalKnowledge,Geneva,Switzerland, Retrievedfromhttp://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_tk_7.pdf
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