Governance

Conceptual Model

Overview

I realize that the “longhouse diagram” of a post Treaty structure is a new concept to many people and might appear to be a little confusing at first glance.  Keep in mind that this is the big picture view of the structure and does not include all of the details on committees, staffing or programs - nor is it meant to at this stage.  

It simply represents the inclusion of our culture along with some modern administrative structures to demonstrate what a self governing Nation might look like outside of the Indian Act.  The inclusion of our language parallels the past to illustrate that we had a culturally distinct and organized system that governed us through Ta’ow.

• The outer house structure  represents the Nation and all of the things that encompass the Governing of the Nation.
• Showing our Ancestors as the foundation signifies our inherent rights through the respect that we will always have for the teachings and the land that they left to us, and the guidance that they still provide.
• Having our people at the top in the rafters reminds us always that we are here for our people above all else.
• Including Sijitus (to advise) with the people is a reminder of our traditional form of leadership where each family had a Hehgoos that made decisions in their best interest.
• Elected leadership is shown as the support beam across the top that connects everything in the house.
• The next Administrative level is made up of house posts for each area of the Nation with the headings: Community Services, Lands and Resources, Community Economic Development and Finance.   
• The Management level of each specific area is also shown in the house posts which will later contain many more specific programming details.

As a final note, this model has grown and changed many times through consultation with the Governance Committee, Council and the Community.  It is still in the process of changing to ensure that it meets the needs of the Sliammon people for into the future. 

The real work of change is just beginning. Our Ancestors overcame greater obstacles and we owe it to them to do this right.