In traditional forms of Indigenous decision making, how much time did people commit to resolve an issue?
In traditional forms of Indigenous decision-making, the amount of time people committed to resolving an issue varied depending on the particular community and the significance of the issue at hand. These decision-making processes were often collaborative and participatory, emphasizing consensus-building and ensuring that all voices were heard.
In some cases, the resolution of an issue could be relatively quick if it involved a minor matter or had clear solutions that were easily agreed upon. On the other hand, more complex or significant issues could require a considerable amount of time to discuss, deliberate, and reach a consensus.
The time commitment could range from a few hours to several days, weeks, or even months. Indigenous communities often placed great value on ensuring thorough discussions and understanding of all perspectives before making a decision. This meant dedicating the necessary time for dialogue, often involving storytelling, respectful debate, and ceremonies, to reach a resolution that was accepted by the consensus of the community.