This course in education leadership provides an in-depth examination of Indigenous governance and leadership in the tribal world. Sovereignty is a foundational concept for this course and is presented both as a governmental principle and an individual value practiced in daily life. The course begins with a survey of the ancient and historical governing structures of Indigenous people and examines leadership in multiple forms including traditional highly structured systems like that of the Nations of the Haudenosaunee to less formalized structures like those of the Anishinaabeg band system. The course examines the impact of Euro-American colonization and assimilation on traditional forms of leadership, governance, and the erosion of tribal sovereignty. The contemporary crisis in tribal leadership today is linked to colonial domination and the subordination of traditional Indigenous structures and value systems. The study and practice of traditional leadership offers an opportunity to decolonize contemporary structures by applying and practicing the ancient values and practices of consensus, distributive leadership, conflict resolution, and inclusiveness. This course prepares students to assume balanced leadership roles within their families, communities, and Nations.
P: FNED 800 or concurrent enrollment.