Relationships and Indigenous Leadership
In today’s micro-interview I speak with Kylie Fox-Peltier. I was interested in learning from Kylie about what settlers don’t see, or understand, when it comes to how leadership is understood from an indigenous perspective. Enjoy.
JB: Kylie, as you know I'm interested in leadership. You've taught me so much over the years. As an indigenous woman who is a leader in the public sector here in Ontario, what do you most wish settlers understood about leadership from an indigenous perspective?
KF-P: As Anishinaabe, we are taught to lead with our hearts and spirit, not just our mind.
Within the colonial context though, we have been taught that personal feelings or connections to community are often seen as problematic when in leadership positions.
Being professional [in the settle context] somehow implies that you must remain detached, these personal relationships are something you leave at the door, and if you cannot—you declare a conflict of interest.
Leadership is about amplifying the voices of your community, or speaking for…advocating for, those beings and living things who do not have a voice.
JB: So, the world views are very different. Please say more…
Within many Indigenous governance systems, relationships are our foundation.
These connections to people, the land, all living things—these are understood as being strengths and act as an accountability measure. Accountability to community, to the nation, to all living things, our future generations.
A common definition for “Leadership” is: “the ability of an individual or a group of individuals to influence and guide followers.” There are many teachings about leadership—and all the teachings I have received express the very opposite.
Leadership is about amplifying the voices of your community, or speaking for…advocating for, those beings and living things who do not have a voice.
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Thanks to Kylie for her time and wisdom. Learn more about Kylie on LinkedIn, or her consulting practice is here.
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