First Nations University Faces Leadership Crisis Amid Historical Issues

The First Nations University of Canada is grappling with internal challenges that reflect long-standing issues regarding governance and leadership. The roots of these problems trace back decades, revealing a complex interplay between administration and political power among Indigenous leaders.

Historical Context of Leadership at Indigenous Institutions

In the 1970s, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) established three educational institutions, including the First Nations University of Canada. These institutions were intended to be governed by boards comprised of chiefs who would set policies and provide vision for the future. The daily operations were meant to be handled internally, while the boards would focus on long-term strategic direction.

Yet, fifty years later, the foundational vision remains unfulfilled. The governance of the First Nations University, alongside the Saskatchewan Indigenous Cultural Centre and the Saskatchewan Indigenous Institute of Technologies, continues to be dominated by boards led by chiefs. This scenario raises questions about the effectiveness of current leadership structures within these institutions.

The historical significance of the chiefs’ roles must not be overlooked. When treaties were signed, they affirmed the position of chiefs as legitimate political leaders. However, the subsequent control exerted by Indian agents and churches marginalized these leaders, reducing them to figureheads with minimal authority. Pioneers like John B. Tootoosis and Walter Dieter worked tirelessly to empower First Nations to elect their own leadership, emphasizing the necessity of strong, traditional governance.

The Shift to Neocolonial Leadership Roles

As time progressed, the Department of Indigenous Affairs recognized the role of chiefs but gradually shifted their responsibilities towards administrative functions. An elder once remarked that as chiefs assumed more administrative duties, they risked becoming akin to Indian agents themselves. Today, many chiefs find themselves in a paradoxical situation, acting as intermediaries for government policies while lacking genuine authority.

This shift has significant implications for governance. When chiefs enter into funding agreements, they bear the full responsibility yet remain devoid of real decision-making power, which continues to reside with government bodies. Consequently, chiefs are often seen as obstacles to change rather than facilitators, hindering progress within their communities.

The FSIN must tackle the issue of neocolonialism, particularly within its own institutions. The recent decision to reintroduce chiefs to the board of the First Nations University of Canada, made without the agreement of funding agencies, reflects a regression in governance practices. In 2009, both federal and provincial governments mandated changes to the university’s board structure to secure funding. The reversal of this decision raises concerns about the future direction of Indigenous education.

Doug Cuthand, an Indigenous affairs columnist for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and the Regina Leader-Post, emphasizes the need for fresh leadership. He advocates for replacing chiefs on boards with individuals possessing relevant expertise and experience to guide these institutions effectively.

The historical patterns of leadership within Indigenous communities have profound implications for current governance. Effective democracy relies on a diversity of voices and the free exchange of ideas among both elected and unelected representatives. Traditional governance structures emphasized the importance of consulting elders, caregivers, and community members. To foster genuine progress, it is crucial to revisit these foundational principles.

The ongoing challenges at the First Nations University of Canada reflect broader issues within Indigenous governance. As Indigenous communities navigate their future, looking back to the lessons of the past may provide critical insights for moving forward.