Code of Conduct for Visiting Ethnic Villages

How timely that I wrote about the Batak tribe this October. It's National Indigenous People's month in the Philippines! (Thanks to Voltaire for bringing this up!)

I'd like to share something that I came across in the Batak Visitor Center. It's the code of conduct for visiting ethnic villages. I think that all visitors should read these friendly reminders before spending time with indigenous people. 

In summary:

1. Treat the tribes as your equal.
2. Observe and learn about the tribe's way of life and be open-minded.
3. Be friendly as you mingle. Avoid showing extreme emotions. 
4. Ask permission before taking photos and avoid portraying them in a different light. 
5. Buy the stuff that they make. You help them in more ways than one.
6. If you feel that it's necessary to give gifts to the tribe, choose the items wisely.
7. Respect the tribe's environment. Leave it the way that you found it. 
8. Minimize modern influences so that their ethnic identity won't be lost. 
9. Bring everything that you'll need. Tribes don't have much to share.
10. Be sensitive to how they respond to you.