We speak of perhaps one inhabitant in thirty of Canada's huge sub-continent. There is room for us all to live as we prefer. Their ways will not hurt us. Their traditional culture still focuses authority on the family, clan groups and band communities - according to Marie Smallface Marule. Though details vary, each band selects its own leaders who, temporarily, exercise responsibility and authority in the name of all, under restrictive conditions for specific purposes agreed to by all.
Ultimate authority remains a collective right.
Leaders have the respect of the entire community, not merely the support of a majority of voters, as long as they observe the set conditions and pursue the agreed purposes. They act, in addition, as representatives of the band at the tribal council. The tribal unit, under this traditional model, functions only in instances where the bands share concerns and its chief operates within conditions and for purposes set by consensus of the tribal council. Getting agreement may take time, especially if representatives have to consult their bands. Once a decision is reached, of course, implementation is easy, for there is no dissent, opposition or obstruction.