Council Circle

A council circle is a distinctive archeological and architectural artifact that is found at the center of some tribal villages in North America. The historical function of the council circles is debated by experts. Some suggest that the talking circles are ceremonial, and others support a hypothesis that they were places for political discussion that suggest "aboriginal democracy."

In current use, the council circle is often synonymous with the talking circle, and is a means of group communication that promotes input from all the members. A talking stick, or other significant or impromptu object, is passed around the circle, and only the circle member holding the stick is allowed to speak, though he or she may allow others to interject. This is the preferred type of forum for many present-day tribes as well as groups such as the Rainbow Gatherings that revive tribal life.

The present-day use of the talking sticks suggests to many that talking sticks, in the context of the council circle, present evidence of historical and pre-historical use by native tribes to create egalitarian forums. From photographs, we know that talking sticks were very tall, suggesting that circle participants would have stood when speaking .