What it takes to be a ‘servant leader’
Robert Greenleaf coined the term “servant leadership” more than 40 years ago, and Chief Jim Shot Both Sides was definitely a servant leader. Chief Shot Both Sides was the last hereditary chief of the Blood Tribe. He remembered his mother telling him about the $ 12 each band member received at the treaty signing ceremony and the $ 7 put in trust for his future. As chief, he always asked for each member’s thoughts before making a decision. And he remained humble, regardless of whether his supporters praised him, or his critics insulted him.
The First Nations Financial Transparency Act ( FNFTA) is an opportunity for other aboriginal leaders to be servant leaders. More than 90 per cent of First Nations are already complying with the legislation by making the salaries and expenses of their chiefs and councils, as well as basic band financial statements, public. Unfortunately, a small minority of communities is refusing to provide transparency.
That minority convinced Indigenous and Northern Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett to stop enforcing the FNFTA. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde has called for the legislation to be repealed. But rather than repealing the legislation, many people living in First Nations communities want it to be strengthened.
T hi s legislation has brought important information to light on the Blood Tribe First Nation in southern Alberta. The Blood Tribe’s chief and 12 council members make a combined salary of $1.2 million, even though the average income for members of the Blood Tribe is $16,389. That’s less than a tenth of what their leaders take for salary and expenses. While many band members don’t have enough gas money to go to a doctor’s appointment, the leadership is spending nearly $1 million on travel.
This income inequality fails to respect traditional values. We need the type of change that can only be spurred on by the type of information the FNFTA forces bands to make available.
Chiefs and councils should have the faith and support of the people they govern. Yet it does not inspire a whole lot of trust when the leaders refuse to publish their salaries and expenses. Hiding this information from anyone raises suspicions in everyone. Thus, all First Nations should continue publishing their numbers on the Internet through the FNFTA.
Let’s be clear: confidential details can be protected while publishing basic band financial information, just like they are when Crown corporations issue annual reports. And yet, some First Nations leaders wonder why a band’s financial statements should be shared with outsiders. Here’s a reason: people from across Canada and around the world will partner with First Nations communities, if they can build a relationship based on trust. When First Nations businesses are successful and growing, transparency is the best form of advertising.
In fact, let’s enhance the FNFTA and get accountability going both ways. Yes, First Nations leaders need to be accountable, but so does Ottawa. Financial transfer agreements need to be provided in every band office and posted online to make sure funding goes where it’s needed, instead of getting soaked up in bureaucracy. Band members should have the opportunity to ratify their community’s budget and monthly reports should go out to every home. First Nations, as well as provincial and federal governments, should publicly account for every dollar of resource and gaming revenues. Internal audits should happen annually and, if concerns arise,
ABORIGINAL BANDS NEED TO INSPIRE FAITH IN THE PEOPLE THEY GOVERN. THIS CAN ONLY HAPPEN IF THEY RELEASE THEIR FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
an appeal process should be open to all band members.
Servant l eadership is about more than strength, charisma or intelligence; it’s essential to have humility, a social conscience and a commitment to the growth and health of every community member. Accountability is essential servant leadership. If Chief Shot Both Sides could humbly endure his critics insults, today’s leaders can provide transparency to their people.