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Tribal Council Members as Courageous Leaders

How can tribal council members display courage? They will make right decisions although they may not be popular decisions. They will overcome fear because they believe it is more important to do the right thing for the people who elected them (courage). Often, tribal council members want to do or, will make the right decision, but will change their mind when “threatened” by tribal members who are against the decision (cowardice).

Ethical tribal council members display the traditional virtues of our American Indian ancestors. How do they do this? Let me count the ways:

1. They have the strength to stand by their decisions (fortitude).
2. Tribal Council members need to truthful, in both words and actions. Honesty requires telling the truth not just avoiding telling lies (honesty). They need to think carefully and consider all factors so they can make good decisions. I knew a person who was a council person for eight years, and not once did this person say yes or no on important issues (dishonesty and cowardice are the opposite of our traditional virtues).
3. Tribal council members need to report to work every day. When traveling, they need to be able to speak up and represent the tribe in a manner that will bring respect and honor to the tribe. To do this, they give of themselves, both their time in fulfilling their duties and even more time in learning anything they don't know so that they can serve the tribe better. They don't use tribal vehicles, equipment, travel funds or other resources for anything other than activities to improve the communties. These actions will ensure that that tribal members rather than the tribal council members themselves (generosity).