My Indigenous Life

Since serving on Council, I learned a lot about what leadership asks of a person – not just in terms of decisions and responsibilities, but in how we treat each other while we’re doing the work. One of the biggest lessons for me was realizing how common lateral violence can be in leadership spaces. It shows up in different ways, and it can quietly shape the tone of the whole table if we don’t name it and work on it.

I also learned something that feels even more important: if we can’t come together at the table with respect – especially when we disagree – we can’t deal with the bigger issues effectively. Our territory, our resources, our relationships with proponents, and our long-term goals require steady leadership. And steady leadership requires a table where people can speak, be heard, and still stay focused on what matters most.

Serving on Council also taught me how important it is to protect one another’s dignity. There were times I didn’t feel respected or valued, and I know I’m not the only person who has felt that way in leadership. I’m sharing this not to point fingers, but because I truly believe we can do better. We have too much at stake to let division become our normal.

What keeps me hopeful is that I’ve seen what’s possible in other Nations – when leadership can disagree without tearing each other down, and when the bigger picture stays in view. That bigger picture is simple to name, even if it’s hard to achieve: What do we want for our children? What do we want for our future? What kind of Nation are we building?

I still want what’s best for our community. I still believe I have a purpose in helping our community grow and become prosperous. And I believe that moving forward starts with how we show up at the table – with accountability, respect, and a shared commitment to the future.

Question for readers: In your experience, what helps a group move from division to unity – without silencing people or avoiding hard conversations?