The impact of culture on indigenous leadership

This dissertation was completed and submitted at Nipissing University, and is made freely accessible through the University of Toronto’s TSpace repositoryThis study, undertaken by me as an Indigenous researcher, explores the role of culture in the experiences and decision-making processes of six high-profile Indigenous leaders. The concept of culture may seem to be an innocuous subject that everyone takes for granted in artistic expression for example, but the roots of culture define the very essence of who we are as human beings. Indigenous peoples have shown that the scope and depth of cultural paradigms are much more than exhibitions of dance and drumming. Cultural values have sustained Indigenous cultures for thousands of years in a land that holds many environmental challenges. Governance structures were established by Indigenous Nations based on knowledge systems, which were in turn based on a relational understanding of the cosmos. These values and principles were interrupted with the colonial introduction of a completely new paradigm, which did not recognize the value of Indigenous constructs such as governance, nor the importance of the environment, nor even a fundamental appreciation of how we as humans fit into the relational structure of life on this earth. However, the cultural archetypes inherent in Indigenous beliefs remained deeply rooted. This dissertation sheds light on the differing worldviews integral to Indigenous philosophies on the one hand, and Western ideologies on the other. In addition, the importance of tribal customs as they relate to management and governance of Indigenous Nations is highlighted. This enquiry was undertaken using Indigenous methodologies and conversation as a method, which conforms to a pedagogical approach that is appropriate to Indigenous research. As we are in the infancy of a reconciliation process, conversation is the key pathway that will see Indigenous worldviews become recognized and acknowledged. This dissertation focusses on the importance of culture as illustrated by the First Nation leaders who participated. These leaders —three women and three men— shared their personal experiences and stories, which exemplified the depths of their cultural roots. Their narratives answered a profound question that emerged during this research, “why are we still here as Indigenous people?”Ph.D