I was reading my previous blogs and I hope people didn't get the wrong idea when I said I would have get my voice heard over the men.
What I meant was that I would find a way to have my voice heard, and doing this in a respectful way and with integrity. Lately, I've been hearing so many accusations about who is doing what to the other and so on. Really, I think it borders somewhat on petty, but I feel that people are trying hard to assert themselves and each is trying to defend themselves that it becomes hot and bitter. I work hard at not getting into the content of the situation, not getting into the middle of it and not picking sides (factionalism, again!). I am making an effort to be objective and neutral, approaching each situation with an open mind and being positive.
There are so many needs in our community: jobs, housing and fair wages just to name a few. The community needs are greater than the LMG's resources. Then we have to content with many people who feel they haven't had a fair chance - due to differing political views. On top of that, we (and I mean everyone including community members and politicians) have to content with our elected Chief not having majority council. Does this really matter? For some, it does and others, it doens't. Depending on which side of the fence you are on. I recently told the Chief, now you will have a chance to really hone your leadership skills. The Chief and the Band Administrator have to really work hard to come to negotiated agreements, real collaboration at work and settling their differences. I wish them all well.
I'm new and I am still looking forward to the challenge of leading our community. I look forward to comments and suggestions. Please don't hesitate to post.
Thanks
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
This English Class
This English class have been so interesting and engaging. I really looked forward to attending each class and I feel that I've gotten to know some other students a little bit. Thank you Gail for providing us the opportunity to think, analyze, converse and learn in environment that was open, non-judgemental and positive.
Each Class Blog that was written was done after researching topic and gaining a better understanding of the issue. For example, I got so out of touch with Residential School Survivors after my husband finished his contract, that I didn't realize there was still another initiative, Truth and Reconciliation. Concerning the Apology, we had such an emotional debate, we needed a few minutes to take a breather. I look at this not as negative, but as extremely positive, because we had such a great discussion on the issue which brought about many feelings.
Who would have thought that re-learning grammer rules would be so interesting!
Each Class Blog that was written was done after researching topic and gaining a better understanding of the issue. For example, I got so out of touch with Residential School Survivors after my husband finished his contract, that I didn't realize there was still another initiative, Truth and Reconciliation. Concerning the Apology, we had such an emotional debate, we needed a few minutes to take a breather. I look at this not as negative, but as extremely positive, because we had such a great discussion on the issue which brought about many feelings.
Who would have thought that re-learning grammer rules would be so interesting!
Women in Politics
Ok, so I'm new to politics in Listuguj! Well, not entirely. I've always been somewhat political; I've cetainly had my views of a number of topics and have participated in standoffs, blockades, sit-ins and demonostrations. I've participated as a community member, as a woman, a parent, and as a worker. I've been a member of a Union which helped organize our workforce, have sat on several boards and participated with other women on issues of concern. Yes, all these examples certainly qualify me as being political.
A few weeks ago I was elected to Council. I feel truly honored and hope that I will meet community members expectations! And they're big ones too!
And so, I attended my first Council meeting. Very interesting. However, I am surprised that as much as the community wanted women on council, and some of these councillors said the same thing, they are not living it. As mentioned in my previous blog, factionalism is alive and well in Listuguj and furthermore, our council chambers is male dominated. I will need to work on this in the next two years. I believe, this means that I will have to speak up and make my voice heard - over the men!
A few weeks ago I was elected to Council. I feel truly honored and hope that I will meet community members expectations! And they're big ones too!
And so, I attended my first Council meeting. Very interesting. However, I am surprised that as much as the community wanted women on council, and some of these councillors said the same thing, they are not living it. As mentioned in my previous blog, factionalism is alive and well in Listuguj and furthermore, our council chambers is male dominated. I will need to work on this in the next two years. I believe, this means that I will have to speak up and make my voice heard - over the men!
Factionalism In Listuguj?
Listuguj recently held their elections to elect a Chief and 12 Councillors. Throughout the process, many community members voiced their concerns regarding the perceived "factionalism" in Listuguj. I've been thinking about this and have done some research on the topic so that I can have a better understanding of this term "factionalsim". This is what I found out; however, it is by no means exhaustive.
Factionalsim is a conflict between parties vying for political power or control. Moreover, it is used for historical or political power. This seems to be the case in Listuguj. One could say there are two factions in our "community" each represented by a group of families. This side or that side, if you want. It is difficult to be neutral in Listuguj. Indeed, our community is so political, but then again, aren't we as Native people, political the moment we are born?
Another definition I came across is two value systems that are opposed to one another fundamentally. One is rooted in traditional teachings, structures social and cultural relations; the other, imposed by the colonial state, structures politics. The latter's intent has always had the intention to destroy the native people.
Until we can come together in a cohesive group, to rebuild our sense of togetherness and squash factionalsim it will be difficult to build a common vision and perspective. We need real willingness to work along those lines, but factionalism stands in the way.
Factionalsim is a conflict between parties vying for political power or control. Moreover, it is used for historical or political power. This seems to be the case in Listuguj. One could say there are two factions in our "community" each represented by a group of families. This side or that side, if you want. It is difficult to be neutral in Listuguj. Indeed, our community is so political, but then again, aren't we as Native people, political the moment we are born?
Another definition I came across is two value systems that are opposed to one another fundamentally. One is rooted in traditional teachings, structures social and cultural relations; the other, imposed by the colonial state, structures politics. The latter's intent has always had the intention to destroy the native people.
Until we can come together in a cohesive group, to rebuild our sense of togetherness and squash factionalsim it will be difficult to build a common vision and perspective. We need real willingness to work along those lines, but factionalism stands in the way.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Busy Month
I'm back after a very busy month! And it's timely that I'm back, since this is the last week of class. It's been a great course and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I might not have blogged regularly nor had I posted my answers to the class blogs (until the other night), but I managed to make it to all the classes except one. And unfortunately, I will be missing the last class as well.
What has been keeping me busy you ask? Well, firstly my kids. They always come first and I ensure to attend all their activities and any other special events in their lives. My youngest daughter had her year-end dance show, which is a weekend-long affair. Thank God Dance is over!!
Next was the year-end synchro water show and I was so happy that ended on a postive note. Our small Sycnhro Club had a difficult year and we were lucky enough to make it to the Provincial Competition and end the year with a water show!
And admist all those activities, our community held it's election! As if I'm not busy enough, I decided to run for Council and I'm very happy and hnonored that I was elected! Being a Band Councillor will certainly be a challenge!
What has been keeping me busy you ask? Well, firstly my kids. They always come first and I ensure to attend all their activities and any other special events in their lives. My youngest daughter had her year-end dance show, which is a weekend-long affair. Thank God Dance is over!!
Next was the year-end synchro water show and I was so happy that ended on a postive note. Our small Sycnhro Club had a difficult year and we were lucky enough to make it to the Provincial Competition and end the year with a water show!
And admist all those activities, our community held it's election! As if I'm not busy enough, I decided to run for Council and I'm very happy and hnonored that I was elected! Being a Band Councillor will certainly be a challenge!
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