Snaw'Naw'As First Nations Governance

Currently our people follow the Indian Act in relation to governance, we're imposed to administer colonial laws and regulations by Indian & Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) under such a system we've been adhering to enforcing policies and principles of a system that is not compliant with Nanoose Governance structures.

Prior to contact and colonization we've always maintained a certain level of self governance that was based on a set of traditional values and beliefs that parallel involvement of our Coast Salish culture, and teachings passed down from countless generations of ancestors.

nowadays...

Chief & Council

Snaw'Naw'As Governance = Federal Government Electoral System Act

• Chief & Council INAC Structure
• 1 Chief Councillor, 4 Councillors
• Elected through government voting process

Each term for office in the nation of Snaw'Naw'As is 2 years, we've found that this system:

• is damaging to productivity in a nation that has high turnover rates in elected officials
• complexities in leadership need devotion and dedication, no guarantees that new officials will maintain working documents, or carry forward initiatives sought after by previous officials
• new or young leaders lack sufficient time to gain experience needed to understand the governance process
• lose out in economic development opportunities
• is unable to maintain effective relationships with developers, governments, cities etc.
• harder for leadership to enhance in the process of economic and social well being of its people

Thus the Nation of Snaw'Naw'As will be looking further into the development of a Custom Election Code, to enhance its governance role over the nation, to have greater control, to maintain and preserve effective working relationships, to utilize and capitalize on Coast Salish traditions values and beliefs to incorporate them in how we govern our nation, also to see policies and plans on social and economic well being implemented, and to allow for more time i.e. from a 2 year term, to maybe a 3 year or 4 year term, that will better expand the horizons of new/returning leaders to gain experience and lobby governments, also to retain and utilze capacity alongside many other benefits that would enhance the Nation of Snaw'Naw'As

History of Leadership in Snaw Naw As

As chief and council members some of the responsibilities are as follows:

• to speak on behalf and in the best interests of the Nation of Snaw'Naw'As
• to represent the Nation of Snaw'Naw'As while in other traditional territories, or amongst other governments
• setting clear policies and guidelines for administration and governance so that work is performed effectively
• ensuring that good management of the Nation of Snaw'Naw'As is being practiced
• maintaining financial records and ensuring the Nation of Snaw'Naw'As is informed
• authorizing proposals, documents & agreements on behalf of the Nation of Snaw'Naw'As and its subsidiary programs, policies and procedures
• to establish and authorize working groups or committees to carry out effective administration i.e. health advisory, housing, daycare, finance etc.
• ensure that laws or resolutions are carried out in an effective and proper manner
• will hold "Portfolios" i.e. youth, elders, culture, economic development, social development; and to ensure that each department, or group under those branches administrate its programs and service in a fair and equitable manner or that policy is followed and adhered to, also to assist in providing clear explanation as to how programs are run by policies
• to be chairperson or board of director in relation to certain portfolios

Band Membership

First Nation members have responsibilities and effective means of influencing Council decisions. Nanoose First Nation members that are really interested in seeing that the policies and decisions are made in their best interests and are prepared to make the effort, they must assume all or some of the following responsibilities:

• Nominate the best possible people for the positions of Chief & Councilors
• Vote for the people of choice not because these people are relatives or friends but because they have the ability, knowledge and fairness in making any decisions for the Nanoose First Nation membership.
• Attending band meetings so that they will know what is going on as far as reserve matters are concerned. Also to express to Council how they feel about Nanoose First Nation matters and make the Council Account for their decisions and actions.
• Bring matters to the attention of Council either as a delegation or as an individual.
• Communication - upon receiving communications from the Nanoose First Nation they should review all forms i.e. website, polls, newsletters, bulletin boards etc.
• Be willing to serve on a Committee or Council, i.e. School, Recreation, Culture, Elders, Youth for which they have special interest and for the betterment of its nation

||<<HOME>>||