When I say “sovereignty,” I mean Saulteaux First Nation is a government. Our authority comes from who we are as a Nation and from the Nation-to-Nation Treaty relationship that was recognized by the Crown.

Sovereignty wasn’t given to us, we have always had it. Over time, laws like the Indian Act (1876) limited and controlled how we as First Nations could govern ourselves. I believe exercising sovereignty today means rebuilding and strengthening our own governing systems: clear laws, policies, and an overarching constitution that reflects our rights, responsibilities, and traditional ways of governing.

If we want to advance the vision of being “Citizens Plus,” as Harold Cardinal described in “The Red Paper,” we must strengthen our own government systems, our laws, policies, and constitution.

In my previous government role regular public meetings were used as a way to strengthen governance and trust. They create transparency, reduce confusion/rumours, and make it easier to hold leadership, including myself accountable.

I support meetings that are structured and respectful,

• regularly set times

• clear agendas shared before the meeting

• space for questions and

• a written public recap afterward to share with the community who couldn’t attend

Online options matter so band members who work can listen in, off-reserve members can stay caught up and even non-members can take a look at the good work Saulteaux First Nations Council is doing.

Often this is how neighbouring communities and governments find opportunities to collaborate, they tune into our meetings and reach out base on a program or strategy we are discussing to collaborate or share information.

Fairness and equal opportunity means no favoritism, clear and consistent access to Nation opportunities for every member. This applies across the board.

Clear criteria: Written rules developed in collaboration with my membership for jobs, housing, and supports so everyone knows how decisions are made.

Transparency: Members can see the process and the “why” behind decisions. This also means breaking down our decisions so they are clear, concise, and accessible to all members.

Equal access (on- and off-reserve): Information, services, and engagement that work for members living across different cities. Our Lands have always will extend further than our Saulteaux First Nations Land Allotment, I will advocate for all our members on and off reserve.

Merit & support: Opportunities based on qualifications, with training/mentorship so more members can meet the requirements. Bring our most talented and motivated working professionals home to benefit Our Nation.

Fairness and equal opportunity means no favoritism—just clear, consistent access to Nation opportunities for every member.

• Clear criteria: Written rules for jobs, housing, and supports so everyone knows how decisions are made.

• Transparency: Members can see the process and the “why” behind decisions.

• Equal access (on- and off-reserve): Information, services, and engagement that work for members living across different cities.

• Merit + support: Opportunities based on qualifications, with training/mentorship so more members can meet the requirements.

• Strong conflict-of-interest rules: Decisions aren’t influenced by family, friends, or politics. They are guided by policies that were develop together for the betterment of us all equally.