Tipi Etiquette 

• If the door is open, a friend may enter the tipi directly. But if it is closed, he should announce his presence and wait for the owner to invite him to come in.  
• A male enters to the right and waits for the host to invite him to sit to the left of the owner at the rear. Be hospitable.  
• Always assume your guest is tired, cold, and hungry.  
• Always give your guest the place of honor in the lodge and at the feast, and serve him in reasonable ways.  
• Invited guests are expected to bring their own bowls and spoons.  
• Never sit while your guests stand.  
• Women never sit cross-legged like men. They can sit on their heels or with their legs to one side. 
• If your guests refuse certain foods, say nothing. He may be under vow.  
• Protect your guest as one of the family.  
• Do not trouble your guest with many questions about himself. He will tell you what he wants to know.  
• In another man's lodge, follow his customs-not your own.  
• Never worry your host with your troubles.  
• Always repay calls of courtesy. Do not delay.  
• Give your host a little present upon leaving. Little presents are little courtesies and never offend. 
• Say "thank you" for every gift, however small.  
• Compliment, even if you strain the facts to do so.  
• Never walk between persons talking. 
• Never interrupt persons talking.  
• Always give place to your seniors in entering or leaving the lodge, or anywhere. 
• Never sit while your seniors stand. 
• Never force your conversations on anyone.  
• Speak softly, especially before your elders, or in the presence of strangers.  
• Never come between anyone and the fire.  
• Do not stare at strangers. Drop your eyes if they stare hard at you; above all for women.  
• The woman of the lodge is the keeper of the fire, but the men should help with the heavier sticks. 
• Be kind 
• Show respect to all men and women, but grovel to none.  
• Let silence be your motto, until duty bids you to speak.  
• Thank the Great Spirit for every meal.