Lesson 2

Social media is a modern day tool that the community has opted in to promote communication. Many individuals live a life in the online world. It is important to understand with the role of a tribunal member you have a responsibility to uphold your standard of conduct. This includes in the online world. Of course everyone has a right to freedom of speech, but to build trust you must ensure you engage with social media respectfully, mindfully and you are not promoting platforms of harm or lateral violence.

When you are engaging with potential stakeholders such as community members, leadership and Ochapowace First Nation staff you must ensure you are leading with our cree values such as respect, kindness, etc.

I know in a world on social media you only get a reaction if you say something. There is science to the madness. Stanford Medicine reports “social connection has become druggified by social-media apps, making us vulnerable to compulsive overconsumption. These apps can cause the release of large amounts of dopamine into our brains' reward pathway all at once, just like a drug. They do that by amplifying the feel-good properties that attract humans to each other in the first place”. With social media we are only praised when we react, comment or like. Today, there is no reward by choosing to engage in negative behaviour, bullying or lateral violence. It gives a false sense of power. As tribunal members we must mindfully practice restraint and reform on situations that can open space for bullying, harm and lateral violence.

TIPS

• Download social media restriction apps. They are free apps that restrict screen time consumption such Opal. This can help you become more mindful and connected to the community and meaningful way.

• Promote positive messages. We all have a sense of image to uphold on the online world. Practice promoting positivity being positive has tremendous positive impact on the brain and body. John Hopkins Medicine explains “researchers suspect that people who are more positive may be better protected against the inflammatory damage of stress. Another possibility is that hope and positivity help people make better health and life decisions and focus more on long-term goals. Studies also find that negative emotions can weaken immune response.” A tactic to positivity is promote good relationships this aligns with our Cree values of wahkohtowin. This is done through maintaining positive relationships with family, friends and community. Screens may make it easier in theory to engage in conflict but it essentially has impact on the break down of relationships in real life.

• Be mindful that your voice matters; use it responsibly.

• Protect your peace. You should practice restraint and don’t engage in negative dialogue.

Best Practices include:

• Follow Value and Ethics of the Organization - in this case Ochapowace First Nation has a social media policy a practice can help keep aligned with Ochapowace values.

• Be Mindful of your Role - As the Tribunal you have an important role as a truth seeker, justice seeker, decision maker and problem solver. You must ensure the public can trust you are free from bias and remain impartial.

• Your personal post must not look like you are using Tribunal information - Do not use any confidential information especially discussed in dually convened meetings. Lessons from training and overall onboarding is acceptable. But reframe from posting like you are posting on behalf of the tribunal. This practice of ensuring individuality and confidentiality is essential to maintaining trust.

• Balance Personal and Professional Values - it is important to remain impartial especially online. Government and administration will same you must carry the same values, integrity, fairness with all as public servants and continue to support what is best for Ochapowace. Reminder of Ochapowace Nation “a unified, prosperous nation”.

• Keep Posts Factual - in an era of artificial intelligence we must be mindful what we are liking, sharing, or commenting is factual. Be mindful of gossip, bullying and defamation. It is important to do your due diligence when reading something that may seem frivolous or shocking.

• Review online history - Once elected from the kehteyak it would be a best practice to do an audit of all your social media accounts. Delete or removed anything that may perceive a bias or controversy. This is to safeguard you as a tribunal member but also to promote a fresh start.

• Ensure your Social Media Activity does not Display Controversy - especially in First Nation communities we have very diverse kinship ties. We have many relatives and it is a fact that you relatives may be in leadership. It is a way of living, instead of trying to ban it there must be safeguards in place to ensure fairness is upheld. Your online activity must perceive bias, although uplifting, encouraging, and sharing love with your relatives online can be acceptable. Ensure you are not engaging in a way that shows biases or one-sidedness. Suggestion is reframe from political conversations online and or endorsement of an individual in leadership. You can acknowledge leadership as a whole.

Reminder Social Media has real impact on the individuals engaging that have physical, emotional, spiritual and mental impact. Whether it is negative or positive. Remember to practice mindful kindness and love.