#76: First Nations politics, its your duty to stay informed!

Recently, I was introduced to the Bigstone Empowerment Society, a group of members from my First Nation who have three big objectives:

1) Repatriate our Nation's artifacts;
2) Build resilience amongst our membership through language and cultural retention; and
3) Empower our Nation's young adults and youth, instilling an interest in future leadership.

For so long I have felt on the periphery of Bigstone Cree Nation. My grandmother was Maggie Auger and my mosom was Harvey Gladue. However, as an off-reserve member, my only interaction has been when my health benefits have expired (Bigstone is the only First Nation in Alberta to bring their health benefits in house, so I'm not complaining about that, but just goes to show how complicit I have been in my civic duty). I am always so proud to tell people that I am a member of Bigstone Cree Nation. We are the largest First Nation in Treaty 8, one of the biggest land masses in Northern Alberta and have a long and proud history.

Councillor Anderson's recent resignation letter from the Bigstone business holdings brought to light something I was completely unaware of: Bigstone has significant business holdings. While I agree with her stepping down, I have to ask, who will replace her?

1. Does Chief and Council recruit for specific skill sets?
2. Will they post the position to members at large?
3. Are they looking for those who are business savvy, have excellent personal financing, are committed to grow businesses that belong to each and every one of us Bigstone members?

I'd like to at least know the annual profit or loss of each of these business venture, whether or not they distributed dividends, essentially I'd just like to be informed. Those dividends should go to those in need (member households with single incomes, or members without incomes). 

The last membership meeting in early March was apparently really informative, but due to the snow storm I arrived late and had a very brief opportunity to speak with the remaining council members who were present. With another membership meeting being called in Wabasca for March 28th, I have to point out that the frequency of Band membership meetings is indicative of one thing, an upcoming election. ​ So here is my commitment: next time, I'll be leaving earlier from Fort McMurray, next time, I'll be asking a lot of questions.

Bigstone members - You should too! 
Everyone else - You should too! (with your own First Nation, Metis, Inuit or Canadian politicians!)

Civic participation is defined as: individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern. It can also be defined as citizens working together to make a change or difference in the community. 

In closing, thank you to the Bigstone Empowerment Society for providing a venue where those of us Nation members, the up and coming political, or social, or cultural, or entrepreneurship leaders:

• to come together,
• to ask those important questions which is in my opinion our civic duty, 
• to envision the best possible future for Bigstone Cree Nation governance and membership.

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