Where are our Indian leaders?
Back to the point I made earlier - why not send everyone to
leadership training and our problems will be solved? And,
why is a (courageous) leadership training program that is
specific to the reservations important?
I am going to describe two personal observations that I
believe will eventually change if (courageous) leadership
training was a requirement for everyone in a leadership
and/or supervisory/management position. I also included a
quote from a good friend of mine on the negative impact the
non-courageous leadership can have on Indian
Reservations:
1.) Over the past twenty years I have sat on numerous
boards and committees, I have held several administrative
positions and worked with numerous individuals/leaders
(tribal members and non- tribal members) and I know other
individuals who are working to improve the situation on the
reservation, all seemingly to no avail.
2.) One day I went to a meeting with a manager at the
casino, who happens to be an enrolled member. Who opened
the door for me when I walked in, but a non-Indian security
guard. Walking through the casino, I noticed a substantial
number of the employees were non-Indian. While I waited for
the meeting, a non-Indian waitress served my coffee. With
high unemployment on my reservation, why are all these
lower level jobs filled by non-Indians when we have many
able-bodied Indians who are not working? This situation
isn't just limited to my reservation; I have witnessed this
same pattern all over Indian country. In some tribal
industries, twenty employees will be hired and go through
orientation. Within two weeks, only four of them are left
on the job.
Click here for our plan on creating Indian
leaders.