Political & Economic Organizations - Additional Reading
This book will provide additional information on the historical Political & Economic Organization of First Nations and Inuit.
Traditional Government and Decision Making
Governance in First Nations and Inuit communities was democratic in that everyone in the community had the opportunity to voice their opinions and participate in the decision-making for the common good.
Individuals held equal power in decision-making. Council and consensus was the method used to make a decision. Leaders had the role of guiding or assisting the group in reaching resolutions. They did not make decisions alone or try to impose their own ideas on others.
Decisions were adopted if they promoted the common good of the whole community. The common good meant not only the community making the decision, but the good of future generations and the natural and spiritual world. First Nations took a holistic view of decisions.