Canadian Government Executive - Volume 24 - Issue 04

July/August 2018 // Canadian Government Executive / 15 INTERVIEW nament, and I think we had around 15 players that were drafted by the NHL on that team. With all those excellent hockey players, we actually got beat by another team’s ‘system’ that shut down our ‘sys- tem’. At the time, it was a devastating loss for all of us, but what I realized was that we were so formed around that culture or style of play that we didn’t have the ability to change and adapt to the other team’s ‘system’. I reflect on those college hockey experiences working with teams, learning about the importance of roles, and leveraging each person’s strengths. I believe the individual task of learning my role was such an important life lesson for me. I tie this learning back to what we are taught from elders on how we fit in with our community. Elders are a very important component of Indigenous communities, and they teach us respect for our culture and for tradition. They also teach us to be a hu- man being and, based on our life expe- riences, how we fit in the community. I think one of the biggest hurdles I faced going to Ottawa and working for the fed- eral government was “where do I fit?” El- ders teach us the importance of really un- derstanding a situation, and to do this you need to be involved and to listen. When I get into leadership situations and when I lead teams, I coach myself to listen, to be involved, but also to find the space for others to flourish. I have been taught that we all must realize that everybody is dif- ferent and everyone has a role. I think one of the most important teachings I have taken from elders is the importance of role models. Growing up and follow- ing a different path to my dreams, I re- ally saw the importance of being a good role model. I spoke to many students across the schools in the NWT, sharing my experiences and communicating the importance of getting a good education. My mom and dad always said, “Hockey is fun now, but there will be a time when it ends. Get an education, and it will be with you forever.” Another lesson that elders teach us is that you have to approach people when they are ready, and also that the needs of each individual are different and each has a role in our community. I was for- tunate to have such a great experience in Ottawa, and I have had the privilege to learn from so many great leaders in many different organizations – but the constant was that we were the public service for all Canadians. I was able to refine my skills and competencies as a leader by witnessing, not only the posi- tive aspects, but also the negatives, and then use these experiences to help shape my leadership style. The other aspect I would like to share about our Indigenous culture is that we continue to learn and that we continue to be lifelong learners – it is who we are. It is very important that we try to build more of a healthy life and a stronger identity in terms of the self and being proud of what you contribute to the community. I’m very proud to be an Indigenous leader in government, but I’ve had tremendous mentors. I mentioned my experience with our Premier, Bob McLeod. He was a real men- tor for me and a person that gave me a chance, a path and an opportunity to fol- low. It is a very unique opportunity for me to return to the North as now I sit in his same office when he was deputy min- ister for the department. But to tell you the truth, by watching Bob, I realize that he has been my role model. As an Indige- nous leader, he led the territorial bureau- cracy for many years and is now leading the territorial government as premier for a second consecutive term. No other territorial premier has done this. When I look at our territorial government, we have a majority of Indigenous leaders at our cabinet table; we have deputy min- isters here that are Indigenous leaders and a high percentage of Indigenous em- ployees in our public service. For me, it’s just a really nice way to be able to come back up North and be able to see how we can make a real difference in the lives of northerners, and more importantly, a real opportunity for us to make sure that we include Indigenous perspectives in the way that we run the public service. Q: For the next question, I want to build on that a little bit if I may. I think its fair to say that for this generation of public servants, one of the the biggest challenges in this country at all levels of gov- ernment is how to bring life to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We all have an important role to play in that; Reconciliation is a challenge that all of us face, and public servants must take a leadership role in that. I want to talk a little bit about how you see the future unfolding – how you see things transpiring in this country in our relationship with Indigenous communities. I’m particularly interested in the future of government-to-govern- It has been about a year and a half now that I’ve been back in the Northwest Territories. I am thrilled to be back in the North and very much enjoy my role in the territorial service and my department’s part in how we create healthy ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods – not only now, but in the future.