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TRIBAL LEADERS INSTITUTEA service of Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc. |
WHY WE NEED AN ETHICS PROGRAM
My name is Dr. Erich Longie, and I am an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation, born and raised on the reservation. The idea for the Tribal Leaders Institute had been rolling around in my mind for many years. It began when I was hired to be president of Cankdeska Cikana Community College, and I came to realize that tribal members really did not have access to due process. Everything hinged on politics. After years of listening, observing, taking part in, trying to prevent, and being a victim of rampant unethical acts such as nepotism and favoritism, lawlessness, embezzlements/theft, chronic absenteeism/tardiness, lies/character assassinations, etc., etc., etc., that are rampant on Indian reservations, I realized something had to be done. However, the current system was (and is) so entrenched in its habits, I could not fathom a way to bring about change.
It wasn’t until we created Spirit Lake Consulting that I was able to take a serious approach at addressing the issue. Through support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we have been able to develop and research ethics and ethics education on the reservation. The Tribal Leaders Institute is a direct result of our efforts from the past few years. It is a two-year project to develop five online courses aimed at ethics on Indian reservations. The first course introduces ethical issues being faced today on the reservations with emphasis being placed in the workplace. Subsequent courses will address ethical issues at different levels of management: the employees; the supervisors; the administrators and program managers; and the tribal councils, boards, and committees.
Why do we need training in ethics on our reservations? The misuse of funds is one example. Creation of policies and rules that favor governing bodies are one way public funds are directed to individuals in a completely legal though unethical manner, e.g., an unrestricted budget for training allows for numerous trips for school board members to attend conferences in resort locations. The destructive effects of this pattern of unethical behavior extends beyond the monetary value lost. When government is the means to wealth and power, without regard for qualifications, tribal members spend their efforts jockeying for political positions rather than investing in economic development and thus the betterment of their society. Tribal Leaders Forum is one place to talk about these ethical issues. Maybe you just want to rant about a lack of services. You may have a question about ethics or an incident you'd like to share. Post here anonymously or join as a member.
According to surveys conducted by Spirit Lake Consulting, Inc. in 2006, an unusual number of ethical violations are being tolerated on our reservations in an atmosphere of intimidation, or apathy, which prevents anyone from coming forward to complain. Ethical violations such as running personal errands during working hours, misuse of travel funds, hiring unqualified relatives. These practices steal money from the tribe by paying individuals who do no work.
Back to the Tribal Leaders Institute … Our first course under the Tribal Leaders Institute, Introduction to Ethics, is finished. Since we are in the testing phase right now, we need some volunteers to take the course. These first classes will be FREE. In fact, if you are a tribal employee, board member or policy council member, we will pay you $25 to take the course and tell us what you think. Don’t miss this opportunity. Sign up now. Classes start December 6, 2008. If you don't have time to take the course, you are also welcome to just sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter.
Still not convinced? Read more about the research basis of the Tribal Leaders Institute...