https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/join-inspirational-leadership-mooc-line-valerie-gauthier
Honesty, Wisdom, Respect, Humility, Courage, Love and Truth. These are the 7 Grandfather teachings.
The First Nation's story is told that the Seven Grandfathers were given to the people by the Creator and were chosen from the four directions to help guide them towards a better understanding of the world that surrounded them. They were the chosen leaders for the people. Transformational leadership can be defined as an individual who inspires positive change in the individuals that follow him/her. An effective leader will provide an opportunity for themselves and others to change the social landscape through the virtues of honesty, wisdom, respect, humility, courage, love and truth. Phil Fontaine, a three term National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations is such a leader (Historica Canada, n.d.). Phil Fontaine's leadership comes with a authentic understanding, as he is a residential school survivor. He has been instrumental in initiating change for Indigenous people and is focused on the advancement of educational services, living conditions and involvement of all Indigenous people at all levels of the economy (National Speakers Bureau, 2016). In one article that I read by Christopher Curtis (2016),Curtis described Fontaine as a,"shining example of how strong leadership works".
Through the use of technology and digital literacy avenues such as Online newspapers, YouTube and blogs Fontaine's leadership has carved a map for present and future generations concerning Indigenous rights (Montreal Gazette, 2016). His ability to have the voices of Indigenous people heard is to be commended as he was instrumental in the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Document. His understanding of the issues at hand and his guiding force have allowed him to emerge as a transformational leader. Fontaine has gained the respect of Canadians and he has been able to use this to influence and empower others (Kanungo, 2001). From this greater understanding Canadians and people around the world are listening and following this direction. They are speaking out and realizing that their story is one worth being told and that they can create a difference in the perceptions of many as they themselves discover their place in the world. One of those individuals is a young First Nations boy from Shamattawa, north of Winnipeg. His goal is to inspire others by having his message heard. Michael uses his blog to stay connected in the digital world with people he has meet on his many speaking engagements across Turtle Island (North End Inc, n.d.) Michael's blog Michael's message is to foster a shift in perspective from a community that has struggled with the law and family breakdowns to one where its citizens can enable positive change (Bellrichard, 2015). On my way to work one day I heard an interview on the CBC with two gentleman from the Shamattawa community. Both were following Michael's lead as they had initiated a neighborhood watch program. This type of leadership is motivating to many.
The power of technology in the form of digital literacy to reach and empower so many citizens globally has allowed these two men and many more to enact change for FNMI people across Canada. An awareness has brought forth ethical changes in the political arena where lawful changes can be enacted.
I have never met Phil or Michael but their actions speak volumes to me. I have however met George a First Nations youth from a reserve near the Sue and a close family member. George has never written a book, created a blog, or inspired global change, but I feel he is an incredible example of a transformational leader. George comes from a very rocky background where education and a positive direction were lost for he and his family. George however had something special inside of himself that helped him reach for positive change in his life. To inspire change in others, I feel, that a person must first inspire change within themselves. A person must have an appreciation of their own abilities and gifts. Once this is achieved an individual can then instill change in others. This might be done knowingly or unknowingly. For George, I feel it was unknowingly. The gift of true leadership is to rise from some of the darkest moments and have the courage and respect for yourself to create positive change. George has done this and in the process he is inspiring others in his family and community to be proud of who they are and to appreciate the culture that they are connected to.
Leaders like Fontaine that have taken the risks and challenges that are laid before them and paved a holistic path for others to follow, are to be acknowledged. Their guidance and reassurance often provide a foundation for others to also take their own risks. It is only by challenging ones self that true social change can occur and in the process create future leaders from followers (Transformational Leadership, n.d.).
Through the use of technology and digital literacy avenues such as Online newspapers, YouTube and blogs Fontaine's leadership has carved a map for present and future generations concerning Indigenous rights (Montreal Gazette, 2016). His ability to have the voices of Indigenous people heard is to be commended as he was instrumental in the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Document. His understanding of the issues at hand and his guiding force have allowed him to emerge as a transformational leader. Fontaine has gained the respect of Canadians and he has been able to use this to influence and empower others (Kanungo, 2001). From this greater understanding Canadians and people around the world are listening and following this direction. They are speaking out and realizing that their story is one worth being told and that they can create a difference in the perceptions of many as they themselves discover their place in the world. One of those individuals is a young First Nations boy from Shamattawa, north of Winnipeg. His goal is to inspire others by having his message heard. Michael uses his blog to stay connected in the digital world with people he has meet on his many speaking engagements across Turtle Island (North End Inc, n.d.) Michael's blog Michael's message is to foster a shift in perspective from a community that has struggled with the law and family breakdowns to one where its citizens can enable positive change (Bellrichard, 2015). On my way to work one day I heard an interview on the CBC with two gentleman from the Shamattawa community. Both were following Michael's lead as they had initiated a neighborhood watch program. This type of leadership is motivating to many.
The power of technology in the form of digital literacy to reach and empower so many citizens globally has allowed these two men and many more to enact change for FNMI people across Canada. An awareness has brought forth ethical changes in the political arena where lawful changes can be enacted.
I have never met Phil or Michael but their actions speak volumes to me. I have however met George a First Nations youth from a reserve near the Sue and a close family member. George has never written a book, created a blog, or inspired global change, but I feel he is an incredible example of a transformational leader. George comes from a very rocky background where education and a positive direction were lost for he and his family. George however had something special inside of himself that helped him reach for positive change in his life. To inspire change in others, I feel, that a person must first inspire change within themselves. A person must have an appreciation of their own abilities and gifts. Once this is achieved an individual can then instill change in others. This might be done knowingly or unknowingly. For George, I feel it was unknowingly. The gift of true leadership is to rise from some of the darkest moments and have the courage and respect for yourself to create positive change. George has done this and in the process he is inspiring others in his family and community to be proud of who they are and to appreciate the culture that they are connected to.
Leaders like Fontaine that have taken the risks and challenges that are laid before them and paved a holistic path for others to follow, are to be acknowledged. Their guidance and reassurance often provide a foundation for others to also take their own risks. It is only by challenging ones self that true social change can occur and in the process create future leaders from followers (Transformational Leadership, n.d.).
Bullets - things to take away
* An understanding of issues that aid as a guiding force to emerge as a transformational leader
* A courage to heal oneself first and then lead through this experience
* Taking action to change
References
Bellrichard. C. (2015). Young Indigenous leaders: 5 under 30 to watch in 2015. CBC News. January 25, 2015. Retrieved 06,13,2016 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/young-indigenous-leaders-5-under-30-to-watch-in-2015-1.2929805
Curtis, C. (2016). Aboriginal leader Phil Fontaine believes in reconciliation. Montreal Gazette. March 9, 2016. Retrieved 06,14, 2016 from http://montrealgazette.com/news/aboriginal-leader-phil-fontaine-believes-in-reconciliation
Kanungo, R. N. (2001). Ethical values of transactional & transformational leaders. Canadian Jouranl of Administrative Science, 18(4). Retrieved from http://search.proquest.uproxy.library.dc-uoit.ca/docview/204887568/fulltextPDF/14D081C54F35PQ/1?=14694.com
Historica Canada. Phil Fontaine. (n.d). Retrieved from http://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/phil-fontaine/
Indian Residential Schools Statement of Apology - Phil Fontaine. National Chief. Assembly of First Nations. (2010). Government of Canada. Retrieved from https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100015697/1100100015700
National Speakers Bureau. (2016). Retrieved from nsb.com/speakers/phil-fontaine
