My relation Bill Wilson has a knack for calling modern day Indian leadership out…basically, reminding them that they have a much higher obligation and responsibility to Indian people than just their paycheck…granted, he can be a bit indelicate (sorry cuz!) but there is no denying his honesty and passion for Indian people and our future. He is particularly succinct in his observation of the swollen sense of importance and royalty of some of our elected leaders when it comes to what they think they should be paid and what they are worth…so when I read the following data I feel compelled too join him in his derision:
A report on by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation found that 82 band chiefs and councillors made more than the prime minister’s $317,574 salary in 2008-2009. In Alberta, 47 chiefs and councillors made more than the prime minister that year.
This has nothing to do with what the Prime Minister’s annual salary is…and everything to do with how some Indian leadership is taking the spoils and treasure of their people and future generations with no equitable or reasonable return for their contribution and leadership. This is about taking…not giving…and it’s a horrible reflection of our Indian legacy of some modern elected Leaders sense of entitlement, corruption and selfishness. I find it a little unpalatable to hear these same elected leaders at all levels of government battle back against the tyranny of Canadian federal and provincial governments when they themselves are increasingly suspect. How does that saying go?…”Meet the new Boss…Same as the old Boss.”
“One measure of leadership is the caliber of people who choose to follow you.” – Dennis A. Peer
About Lawrence Lewis
I do a number of things professionally...but most of all and the true purpose of what I do through "my work" is to provide for my family, be a good husband and great father, and try to make a difference as a world citizen...I guess it's not much more complicated than that 🙂