Skip to main content

Distributed for University of British Columbia Press

Living Indigenous Leadership

Native Narratives on Building Strong Communities

Indigenous scholars strive to produce research to improve Native communities in meaningful ways. They also recognize that long-lasting change depends on effective leadership. This collection showcases innovative research and leadership practices from diverse nations and tribes in Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. The contributors use storytelling to highlight the distinctive nature of Indigenous leadership, which finds its most powerful expression in embodied concepts such as land, story, ancestors, and elders. These vibrant narratives give a voice to the wives, mothers, and grandmothers who are using their knowledge to mend hearts and minds and to build strong communities.

256 pages | © 2012

Sociology: Race, Ethnic, and Minority Relations


Table of Contents

Foreword / Verna J. Kirkness

Preface / Carolyn Kenny and Tina Ngaroimata Fraser

1 Liberating Leadership Theory / Carolyn Kenny

Part 1: Leadership, Native Style

2 Learning to Lead Kokum Style: An Intergenerational Study of Eight First Nation Women / Yvonne G. McLeod

3 Elders’ Teachings on Leadership: Leadership as Gift / Alannah Young Leon

4 Parental Involvement in First Nations Communities: Towards a Paradigm Shift / Evelyn Steinhauer

5 Skilay: Portrait of a Haida Artist and Leader / Carolyn Kenny (Nangx’aadasa’iid)

Part 2: Collaboration Is the Key

6 Indigenous Grandmas and the Social Justice Movement / Raquel D. Gutiérrez

7 Legacy of Leadership: From Grandmother’s Stories to Kapa Haka / Tina Ngaroimata Fraser

8 The Four R’s of Leadership in Indigenous Language Revitalization / Stelómethet Ethel B. Gardner

9 Transformation and Indigenous Interconnections: Indigeneity, Leadership, and Higher Education / Michelle Pidgeon

10 Translating and Living Native Values in Current Business, Global, and Indigenous Contexts / Gail Cheney

11 Approaching Leadership through Culture, Story, and Relationships / Michelle Archuleta

Part 3: Healing and Perseverance

12 “We Want a Lifelong Commitment, Not Just Sweet Words”: Native Visions for Educational Healing / Michelle M. Jacob

13 And So I Turn to Rita: Mi’kmaq Women, Community Action, Leadership, and Resilience / Patricia Doyle-Bedwell

14The Graceful War Dance: Engendering American Indian Traditional Knowledge and Practice in Leadership / Annette Squetimkin-Anquoe

15 Leaders Walking Backwards: Aboriginal Male Ex-Gang Members’ Perspectives and Experiences / Alanaise Goodwill

Be the first to know

Get the latest updates on new releases, special offers, and media highlights when you subscribe to our email lists!

Sign up here for updates about the Press