Page 39 - Six Nations Community Plan 2019

Measuring Progress

• Community is fully represented under a cohesive and • More respectful and meaningful discussion around
inclusive governance structure governance and in community at large
• Diverse viewpoints are embraced

Key Challenges And Concerns

• We speak like the two governance systems are rival sides of a conflict – not one community seeking to work together to
balance the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Elected council administers many of the services in our community but are seen as an external imposition
• The Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council is the root of our culture and traditions but are perceived as lacking capacity
and accountability to administer our modern needs
• External governments benefit from disunity and fuel conflict with targeted funding and development
• Organizations administered by the elected council get criticized when they are providing a good service to the community -
governance disagreements often become barriers to those trying to make positive change in the community
• Many in our community do not know their position in the clan system, or are not officially represented if they do not have a
matrilineal connection

Discussion

With respect to the specific goal of Unity, community members voiced that we need to focus our attention on this issue as it is
fundamental to us moving toward a brighter future as a community. Many community members voiced that they hold respect
for both political bodies, and envision a solution rooted in our tradition that can administer our needs in the modern world—
adapting to the 21st Century while resisting assimilation. The key themes that emerged on governance during engagement
were that:

• United: a cohesive system must emerge that represents all in the community, including the diversity of our modern
circumstances, so that we can start pushing collectively for a better community
• Strong: as a community that has faced hardship, our governance must push back against imbalanced external
impositions in pursuit of mutually beneficial relationships based on our treaties
• Accountable: must be based on transparent decision-making processes and working for the
benefit of all
• Participatory: our culture of participatory democracy was once a model for other nations – we need to return to all
people having a voice in important community matters through their families and leaders

Community members shared that the most fundamental action needed is continued dialogue among all of us and specifically
between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy Chiefs Council and the Six Nations Elected Council. An agreement must be
reached that clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities based on the strengths of each council.

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