In the last two years, I've wanted to find a way to help our nation. I am a proud member of Samson Cree Nation who sees a need to improve our community. So, I started to research how I could bring changes to our community without being an elected member of Chief and Council. I realized I needed to research the bylaws that governed our nation so I could understand the legal commitments required today. Bylaws would state the obligations that Samson Cree Nation is legally committed to fulfill and enforce. If Samson Cree Nation does not fulfill these legal commitments, then a band member could take Samson Cree Nation to court for failing to meet these legal obligations.
This led me to realize that I needed to find members of Chief and Council who were willing to hold themselves accountable by simply being transparent to band members. To figure this out, I decided to contact Chief and Council to see if transparency really exists.
Does Samson Cree Nation have open, clear, and transparent processes?
Every election, band members hear the same promise of ensuring accountability and transparency from candidates running for Chief and Council. I wanted to figure out if the processes to access information from the band were easy to navigate and quick. Since Chief and Council prides themselves on being accountable and transparent then, providing answers to simple requests for information should be an easy feat.
No Clear Process to Simple Inquiries
Since November 2020, I have had three specific interactions with Mario Swampy, Katherine Swampy, and Louise Omeasoo. Not one has been able to provide an answer on what number of bylaws are enacted by Samson Cree Nation. I find this unacceptable especially when two officials have been re-elected so providing this information should be a walk in the park. This made me question the quality of work produced by Chief and Council. This is required knowledge in order to oversee the work of the departments they direct (i.e. Nipiy, Pamihowin, Executive, Housing, etc.).
Most politicians would be happy to receive such "gimme" questions but the same cannot be said for Chief and Council. From the above experience, band members should be prepared to wait months and still not receive answers to simple inquiries, as no process appears to have been established.
Stay tuned for Part 2 on my experience with requesting stance/voting information
Disclaimer: all opinions and views expressed are my own.