I have requested with other band members a band meeting with Chief and Council as to date we have not been accommodated. This is a philosophy I believe in: our members should have input into our financial and mental health as a whole. How can this be done when we haven't had a general meeting for 3 or more years? There is confusion and infighting due to this. It is time to use our ancestral talking stick and meet, listen, and come to a consensus. I do not believe in the Indian Act election system. It has killed our spirit and has divided us as a whole: A strong nation of Anishinaabeg. I believe in clan responsibilities and I am from the Bear Clan and these are the responsibilities I respect.
It has came for us to use the Canadian Government and Study groups research and its legal protocols to change our governmental system because they are not helping their own peoples. I am angry and hurt that people are getting abused and hurt, and our children see this; as well. They see unhealthy behaviours: greed and it power abuses. It effects us all.
It is seen in the high suicidal rate in First Nations communities. This is a sickness that needs to stop and we all need to accept responsibility and change things.
Our ancestors are here helping us, as well, so don't be scared because in the end we will see our people and they will not turn there backs to us. This is respect and trust.
Just because I do not speak the language doesn't mean I can't understand them.
Its going to suck for the people who are going to have to talk to them when they pass on. Did you forget they can see what's going on? This is not a threat it is the soulful and spiritual truth!
ACCOUNTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY RELATIONSHIPS For this report, the Study Group chose to use the definition of accountability provided by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.3 Accountability is a relationship based on obligations to demonstrate, review, and take responsibility for performance, both the results achieved in light of agreed expectations and the means used.
The Auditor General’s definition of accountability is linked with an accountability framework that consists of four elements:4 (1) roles and responsibilities; (2) expected performance; (3) reporting requirements; and (4) mechanisms for review and adjustment.
The first element refers to the roles and responsibilities of the parties in an accountability relationship. There needs to be a clear understanding of the duties, obligations and related authorities of each party. Accountability is a two-way street and all parties to the accountability relationship have roles and responsibilities. As accountability relationships are not static, these roles and responsibilities will adapt to suit changes in social, economic and political circumstances.
The primary accountability relationship is the relationship between a First Nation government and its members. Both government and members have important roles to play in the accountability relationship. The members have a duty to engage: they select their government and are also responsible for any changes in that government. Therefore, they need to hold their government accountable by reviewing government performance and ensuring that their government will make any required adjustments to its performance. Otherwise, there will be no accountability and the government will have no legitimacy. The First Nation government has a responsibility to provide services and ensure the well-being of its members. The chosen government needs to make sure that the members of the First Nation understand the activities their government has undertaken and that they have an opportunity for input (The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, Financial Reporting by First Nations, 2008: 44).
