What makes a good leader? In texts during my time in business school, leaders are often categorized into separate distinct groups based on their approaches, with some striving in certain fields, but challenged in others, depending on their category. The more leadership I encounter in my personal and professional life, the less interested I become in categories and titles. What interests me now is integrity.
There are positions of power, made up of people who make tough decisions based on available information and advise on resources, and there are leaders. The role of a leader is to inspire people to work together for a common goal. There are people in positions of power who are leaders, but not all leaders are in positions of power, and not all those in positions of power are leaders. And that isn’t a bad thing.
As fire season arrives across the north, we are reminded how many moving parts are required to keep communities safe. Resources are coordinated. Information is shared. Decisions are made quickly. These responsibilities often fall to people in positions of authority. It can be an Incident Commander during a wildfire. A community Chief advocating for emergency resources. The emergency management teams coordinating evacuations. These are positions of authority and responsibility proving crucial to public safety.
Yet alongside those systems are countless acts of leadership. Neighbours checking on neighbours. Community members helping Elders prepare. Families opening their homes. People stepping forward because help is needed.
In my observations, I see leaders strive to be role models to the youth in their communities. I see them advocating for resources on behalf of their communities. I see them on the frontlines helping their community members in crisis.
Some of the most effective leaders I have encountered are those who understand that leadership is not about being above people. It is about being accountable to them.
I was reminded of this repeatedly this past month.
At the Treaty #3 Spring Assembly in Musk-kosiminiziibing, I was reminded that leadership often looks different depending on the responsibility a person carries. Chiefs advocated on behalf of their Nations. Elders shared wisdom and perspective. Staff worked behind the scenes to support the gathering. Community members contributed their voices and experiences. Each played an important role. Leadership was present throughout the room because people were contributing their gifts in service of a common purpose.
I saw it again at the Anishinaabe Abinoojii Honouring Our Children Powwow in Kenora. Committee members worked tirelessly to coordinate vendors, singers, and set up. I saw a respected Elder serving food to others when she could have remain seated and attended to. The event succeeded because people chose to contribute their time and energy to something larger than themselves. Leadership often looks like service.
I also witnessed it at the Kenora Chiefs Advisory Spring Feast in Wauzhushk Onigum. Elders, Chief Skead, staff members, and community members all played a role in creating a space where people could gather, share a meal, and reconnect with one another. Leadership was expressed through hospitality and ceremony. It was not about directing people but bringing them together.
These experiences reminded me that leadership takes many forms. Sometimes it speaks into a microphone. Sometimes it quietly sets up tables. Sometimes it offers a prayer, shares a teaching, or something makes sure others are cared for.
During Indigenous History Month, we often celebrate leaders whose names appear in textbooks, reports, and commemorations. Those leaders deserve recognition. I think it’s equally important to recognize the leaders we encounter everyday.
The teenager in a friend group who decides to help out at a community event, inspiring their friends to help too. The community member who fiercely defends their beliefs loud enough to make national news, inspiring others to gather and stand behind them. The Elder who calms tensions and reminds people of their value. The Two-Spirit youth who bravely lives as themselves and helps others feel seen. These are leaders, not because of their titles, but because of their influence.
Their names may never appear in history books, but their actions shape families, communities, and futures everyday.
As we enter another summer, another fire season, and another season of gathering, I find myself returning to the same thought. Communities sustained by many things: resources, planning, knowledge, and hard work. But underneath all of those things is something deeper.
Integrity.
Integrity to do the right thing when it is difficult.
Integrity to listen before speaking.
Integrity to remain accountable to the people around us.
Integrity to serve.
That is the kind of leadership that lasts for generations.
Let that fuel be integrity.
