This article presents a brief overview of Native American cultural values, beliefs, and practices concerning the tribe, elders, family, and spirituality. Native American Indian communication style, humor, and cultural commitment are briefly discussed and recommendations are given for counseling with Native American Indians.

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Native American humor is explored through a brief discussion of the current literature regarding the use of humor in counseling and descriptions of various forms and communication styles of Native humor as spiritual tradition. Implications for multicultural awareness in the use of humor and possible use of Native humor in counseling with Native clients are offered. El humor del Indio Americano es explorado por una discusión breve de la literatura actual con respecto al uso del humor en aconsejar y descripciones de varios estilos de formas y comunicación del humor Nativo como la tradición espiritual. Las implicaciones para el conocimiento multicultural en el uso del humor y el uso posible del humor Nativo a aconsejar clientes Nativos se ofrecen.

A centering technique called “Ayeli,” based on Cherokee spiritual traditions, is presented as a way of incorporating spirituality into counseling by helping clients identify where they are in their journey, where they want to be, and how they can get there. Relevant Native cultural traditions and meanings are explored, including the importance of honoring personal truths (values), significance of numbers, looking to the Four Winds, symbolism of circles within circles, Medicine, connect/disconnect, and seeking vision. In addition, practical considerations and implications are discussed. The center of the universe is everywhere. —Black Elk, Oglala Lakota Medicine Man (as cited in M. T. Garrett, 1998, p. 185)

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