Rethinking Maslow

How was the Blackfoot Nation's Hierarchy fundamentally different from Maslow's Theory of Social Dominance?

• Self Actualization was an individual accomplishment outside of community

• Self Actualization was a cooperative accomplishment that left no one behind

How was parenting in the Blackfoot Society different than American Culture/Society?

• Children are to be controlled by society and follow a specific social order

• Children were left to take care of themselves and naturally learned social order and dominance

• Children were treated equally, and the community shared the responsibility of raising the children, emphasizing community over social dominance.

• Children were treated equally and raised themselves without adult input. Parenting was a shared responsibility.

According to the Blackfoot Nation - what happens when a member causes harm?

• They are kicked out of the tribe.

• They are forgiven as long as the person does not repeat the behavior.

• They are put on trial and sentenced to hard labor.

• They are called deviants.

What can we learn from the Blackfoot Nation about what it takes to make a thriving community?