An Ancestral Perspective

Leadership, Conduct & Responsibility

Nya:wëh Sgënö 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 …

Hayënwëntha Belt … ‘changing of minds’

The White Pine … ‘the teacher’The Eagle

The Spreading Branches

The Needle Clusters

The Pinecone

The Evergreen

The Trunk

The Four White Roots

The Weapons of War

Ga:yënëshë’gowahSgënö (Peace):

Lack of aggression Holistic health

Ga’hasdehshä (Power):Authority applied equitablyEveryone 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 TruthsOur 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 termsAbility to care for oneself, family & contribute to our respective

NationClear thinking & Good decision making ‘Being a good human being’ In our language …

Our Beliefs – Planning Ahead

Cultural Concepts Contemporary Application Burying of Weapons Conflict Resolution where both

sides can potentially win, create ‘win-wins’

Seventh Generation Strategic planning; reinforces ideas of consequences & accountability

Use of mind to resolve conflict ‘Thinking out of the box’; creative and innovative thinking

Our Beliefs – Working TogetherCultural Concepts Contemporary Application Consensus Inclusion, team member involvement;

this method provides an opportunity for team members to contribute and make a difference

‘Talking it out’ Listening to and including team members input; they have their say, increases understanding and potential buy-in

Horizontal Hierarchy Equality straight across the board; minimal class structure, leadership more accessible

Our Beliefs – Develop LeadershipCultural Concepts Contemporary Application

Great Law’s Principle Similar to Heart Centered Leadership management training; humanistic; respectful appreciation

‘Putting the people first’ Team member’s level of success is a direct reflection of leadership style and focus

Hoyaneh must consider impact of decisions on peace, the environment and the future

Thoughtful decision making that considers the condition of the team members, the dynamics of the workplace and the collective future of all team members

The Hodinӧshӧni Perspective

Way of Life

Healthy People = Strong Communities

An Academic Perspective

WorkplaceCulture

Motivated Team Member = Higher Performance, able to contribute to workplace

Career Development suggests …

Experiential Learning & Observation

PotentialLife/Work BalanceRetention

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 satisfaction22% increase in productivity27% increase in profitability

22% DECREASE IN TURNOVER

PathwaysIn 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

PathwaysIn 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 …

LearningEnvironment

BOE, Curriculum,

Methodology,

Effective Learning Standards, Student Achievement

A Final ThoughtThe 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.