Power

This wooden carving is a Gala'dzi or big grizzly in Kwakwala.   ​These bears have no natural predators and rule the wilderness of  mountainous coastal regions.  To me, they symbolize the power that lives in the hands of  indigneous leaders. ​

 Leadership is inherently powerful and these strengths must be exercised with caution and forethought.  Without appropriate consultation and consideration, our actions as leaders can create more harm than good.  However, this does not mean that we should not act.  Given the long standing oppression of our peoples, indigenous leaders must also have the courage to speak the truth and demand change.

Empowering through social work leadership describes an approach based on social work values which is inherently empowering and in alignment with indigenous values. 

Balance Power with Empowering Others talks about the importance of ensuring that we balance our power as social work leaders with the empowerment of those we are trying to help.

No One Wants to Hear from Foster Alumni speaks to the way that the fears of many with power can result in continued oppression for the few who need support.

My boss was new to politics and he liked what I was saying in this Briefing Note Sent to Politicians so he asked me to send it to many of his fellow new politicians.  Unfortunately, they did not realize that this was an educational exercize and many odd outcomes ensued as a result.