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Leadership, Conduct & Responsibility. An Ancestral Perspective. Nya:wëh Sgënö.
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Leadership, Conduct & Responsibility An Ancestral Perspective
Nya:wëhSgënö • Our Creator tells us that we must talk softy to one another, to use words that result in harmony and good relations.The Ongwehoweh (Real People) say the first duty of the people is to show an appreciation and high regard for one another. When we greet each other we are offering a wish of good health.It is also the duty of each and every one of us to care for one another. And that has been the way of the Ongwehoweh for most of the time we have existed on this earth. The Creation nurtured the People providing them with beautiful things & good medicines. The People gave a greeting and Thanksgiving to the things that produced their lives and they gave a greeting to one another for the same reasons. The People who live this way celebrated life because they were happy and the People who live in this way celebrate because they are happy. Our language is onöhgwa’ tsi:yoh (good medicine)
Ganonyogk … a Thanksgiving • The People • Mother Earth • Waters, Fish, Grasses • Medicines, Strawberries, all other Berries • The Four legged & Winged ones • Trees, Forests & the Maple • Life Sustainers (Corns, Beans, Squash) • Wind & Thunders • Sun, Moon, & Stars • Handsome Lake • Sky People • Our Creator
The Circle… • Our lives as Native People are influenced by continuous cycles. When at her fullest the night time sun, Grandmother Moon is round; our Grandfather Sun is also round; Sky Woman walked in a counter clockwise circle as she gave life to Mother Earth; water drums are round; our annual cultural celebrations acknowledge nature’s life giving cycles & we honor those gifts by dancing in a circle …
The Eagle The Spreading Branches The Needle Clusters The Pinecone The Evergreen The Trunk The Four White Roots The Weapons of War The White Pine … ‘the teacher’
Ga:yënëshë’gowah • Sgënö (Peace): • Lack of aggression • Holistic health • Ga’hasdehshä (Power): • Authority applied equitably • Everyone treated fairly • Hodiwanoöhgöh (Righteousness): • Ethics • Acting on ‘what is right’
What is Pathways? • First - it is a way of thinking modeled after our ancestral life ways. • Pathways is influenced by the Great Law’s inherent common sense & practicality. Ga:yënëshë’gowah focuses on human conduct, behavior & relations with others. • Secondly - it is about leadership & governance • Decision-making, accessibility, inclusion, accountability, organizational design, responsible participation, fairness, & more • Thirdly – it is about applying this ancient, ‘time-tested’ knowledge into our daily interactions
Our Truths • Our Hodinöhsöni team members carry the responsibility to model this thinking & conduct for it to take hold & have influence on others • We must teach those who are unfamiliar with our life ways • Time & patience are required to achieve long-term success
Sovereignty • Ability to recreate & sustain our communities on our terms • Ability to care for oneself, family & contribute to our respective Nation • Clear thinking & Good decision making • ‘Being a good human being’ • In our language …
The Hodinӧshӧni Perspective Healthy People = Strong Communities
An Academic Perspective Motivated Team Member = Higher Performance, able to contribute to workplace
Career Development suggests … Potential Life/Work Balance Retention
Tomorrow & the Future … • Will have successfully advanced our concept of ‘onemindedness’ to strengthen understanding, fairness and partnership internally and externally • Personal commitment and empowerment will be the foundation to Seneca achievement • Our efforts will have created a ‘path’ to guide those coming after us • Our way of thinking will be utilized to contribute to the future growth of self, Nation & corporation • We will have carried out our responsibility to the ancestors and the Seventh Generation
A Gallup poll … Organizations that effectively create an inclusive environment experience a: • 39% increase in guest satisfaction • 22% increase in productivity • 27% increase in profitability • 22% DECREASE IN TURNOVER
Pathways • In regard to Career Development: • A balance is necessary in order for clients to make good career decisions that enable them to enhance their training and experiences, increase job satisfaction, satisfy career growth while maintaining their home and place in the community. • Holistic condition/Good decisions/Proper balance are precursors to job satisfaction, development and retention
Pathways • In regard to our culture • We must take advantage of every opportunity to share our cultural perspectives to educate our internal and external guests • Increased knowledge and understanding will enhance morale, pride and team building • We have a responsibility to our ancestors and the children
A humble suggestion … Effective Learning Standards, Student Achievement
A Final Thought • The Hoyaneh serve as mentors of the people. Their skin is seven spans thick serving as protection against anger, offensive actions & criticism. Their hearts are full of peace & goodwill. The condition of the people is first & foremost. With tremendous patience they carry out their duty. Firmness is tempered with a tenderness for the people. Anger does not enter their mind & all words & actions are characterized by calm deliberation.