Learning from hereditary Similkameen leadership: cultural leadership knowledge, and heritage for the future

Indigenous leadership is strengthened by family and community connections, which help keep leaders grounded and self-aware. (Minthorn, 2015; Joseph, 2013; Kovach, 2009). Okanagan-Similkameen (syilx/sməlqmix) hereditary and elected leadership are also strengthened by land connections. Traditional leadership in the syilx/sməlqmix community have always been grounded in traditional knowledge (Dove 1980, p. 187). Colonial impacts on traditional leadership continue to challenge today's new leaders and our mentorship practices, yet value systems embedded in home, service, and family aid in cultural resurgence (TRC, 2015). The purpose of our study is to explore historical sṃəlqmix leadership values, and oral stories and historical stories (ćaptikʷɬ uɬ sm'ím'a̓y) to help build on leadership development of sməlqmix nation in the future. Our research question was: What can we learn from the leadership of the past, to help the future leadership? Analysis of Chief and Council meeting transcripts, interview transcripts, and photographs of two hereditary leaders from the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) showed various aspects of sməlqmix leadership that can inform future sməlqmix leadership development for our community. Key themes from the literature and our traditional stories to identify sməlqmix leadership are Mentorship, Protocol, Inclusion, Humbleness, Resilience, Relationship, and Legacy.