determine the best way(s) for their communities to contribute to important decisions. What matters is that the process of decision making be open, inclusive, appropriate to the community, and understood and endorsed by all members of the community. When these principles are applied, the outcome is a First Nations government supported by the People, clear in its mandate and held as legitimate. When these principles are not in place, the outcomes may be lack of trust, lack of respect and efforts to undermine government and its leaders. Trust, respect and transparency are essential to effective governance.