Governance Department

Chief & Council

The purpose of the Saulteau First Nations Chief and Council is to act on behalf of Saulteau First Nations Citizens and protect their Treaty 8 Rights and Aboriginal Rights and Title. Council is also responsible for the best interests of Saulteau First Nations Citizens and the Community as a whole.

Chief and Council, as leaders of the Saulteau First Nations, are committed to working together to govern the Nation and to preserve the cultural and traditional values, and support the health and prosperity of all Citizens and future generations.

Chief and Council will abide by certain values, codes and ethics when acting on behalf of Saulteau First Nations and its Citizens including:

  • Maintain a consistent focus on the wellness, best interests and priorities of the Saulteau First Nations;
  • Support and accept the involvement of all Citizens;
  • Respect and work to enhance and preserve the cultural heritage, language, and traditions;
  • Protect Treaty 8 and Aboriginal Rights and Title;
  • Respect various perspectives, opinions and beliefs;
  • Wisely and sustainably use a variety of resources to achieve the goals of Saulteau First Nations;
  • Protect the safety of all Saulteau First Nations’ Citizens and their right to feel safe in their homes and in the Community;
  • Act as leaders in a manner that honours the principles of:
    • Honour (Hope, Respect, Faith, Love)
    • Family (Kinship, Good Child Rearing; Ultimate Protection, Cleanliness)
    • Mentorship (Sharing, Humility, Obedience)
    • Self Discipline (Strength, Happiness, Thankfulness)
    • Self Sufficiency

Chief and Council will provide the leadership needed for Saulteau First Nations to be the Best Governed Nation. A Nation that is proud, culturally strong and self-sufficient. As stewards of the land, Chief and Council will ensure that the best sustainable practices are followed, now and in the future.

Another primary responsibility of Chief and Council is to govern as one. Council shall exert its authority as a whole and shall speak with one, unified voice. Chief and Council will not make any decisions without quorum being maintained in the meeting. The Director of Operations and Administrative Staff are obligated to follow the direction of a quorum of Council or written authorization of Chief and Council, but are not obligated to follow the direction of any individual Chief or Councillor acting alone.

Chief and Council will govern with an emphasis on:

  • Collective, consensus leadership taking into account the parameters of the present situation and the need for a decision, while holding in respect the requirements of traditional customs, and providing for a sustainable future for the Saulteau First Nations Citizens and the Community;
  • Acknowledgement of and appreciation for, differing viewpoints;
  • Respect for the separate roles and responsibilities of Council and the Director of Operations and Administration Staff;
  • The sustainable future of Saulteau First Nations rather than the past or present; and
  • The priorities provided by the Saulteau First Nations Citizens through consultation.

Chief and Council are the leadership of Saulteau First Nations and will govern the Nation with the best interests for a successful, healthy, and sustainable community!