Lesson 1

The Ochapowace Community Tribunal is established under the Ochapowace Election Act, 1999. The Tribunal is responsible for carrying out the authority assigned to it under the Election Act, including making decisions on matters such as appeals, grievances, leadership standards of conduct, and ethics.

It is essential that Ochapowace Community Tribunal members are equipped to make fair, responsible, and informed decisions grounded in Cree principles and values. Tribunal members must understand their responsibilities, the limits of their authority, and the importance of good governance when exercising their decision-making powers.

Authority and Self-Determination

The Tribunal's authority is derives from the 1999 Election Act, ratified by the people of Ochapowace First Nation. The Election Act establishes the Tribunal's decision-making authority and provides the legislative framework that guides its responsibilities.

There is also an important oral and community history behind the Tribunal. At the time the legislation was developed, there was a vision that decisions about our people should be made by our people. This reflects the principle of self-determination and the exercise of Ochapowace's Treaty and Inherent rights.

Self-government carries both rights and responsibilities. The Tribunal plays an important role in upholding the Nation's ability to manage its own affairs while ensuring that its authority is exercised respectfully, fairly, and responsibly.

Good governance extends beyond creating policy. It is about building community trust, implementation, respecting Cree values and principles, supporting restorative approaches, exercising authority responsibly, and remaining committed to the people the Tribunal serves.

Tribunal Structure

The Ochapowace Community Tribunal consists of seven positions.

The Tribunal structure includes:

• Seven Tribunal member positions;

• Representation that includes a youth and an Elder;

• Tribunal members selected through the kêhtêyak Council, in accordance with the Election Act;

• A Chair and Co-Chair to support the organization and administration of Tribunal business; and

• Decisions made through the voting requirements established by the Tribunal's governing rules.

Quorum and Majority Vote

Quorum and majority vote are different governance concepts.

Quorum refers to the minimum number of Tribunal members who must be present for the Tribunal to officially conduct business and make decisions.

A majority vote refers to the number of votes required for a motion or decision to pass once the Tribunal has quorum.

These requirements are important because Tribunal decisions should not be made by one individual. Collective decision-making promotes accountability, fairness, independence, and community confidence in the Tribunal process.

Core Management Skills for Emerging Leaders

Essential management skills are not just about wielding authority — they are about communicating, building trust, and making decisions. Leaders must ensure teams are working together toward shared objectives, encourage creative thinking and problem-solving, recognize uncertainties and challenges, and adapt to change. 

These essential skills enable leaders to share ideas clearly, listen actively, make informed decisions, build strong and collaborative relationships, identify challenges, and adjust strategies in response to changing circumstances and in alignment with organizational goals. 

Developing communication and negotiation skills

Clear and effective communication as a manager is essential for effective leadership. Leaders must articulate vision and strategy to inspire and foster collaboration and to ensure goals and expectations are understood by everyone. 

The importance of negotiation skills for managers is equal to those of communication skills. Leaders must develop the ability to negotiate effectively for conflict resolution, employing effective communication skills to establish trust and articulate the benefits of a particular stance or proposal.

The 4 stages of negotiation

1. Preparation: Understanding your goals and the goals of the other party

2. Opening: Clearly expressing your objectives and listening to others’ goals and concerns

3. Bargaining: Exploring possible solutions and finding compromise

4. Closing: Formalizing an agreement and ensuring it is clear and comprehensive

How Emerging Leaders Can Improve Their Management Skills

To identify needed leadership development skills, explore the variety of tools and resources available to learn more about yourself how to achieve your goals.

Tools & Resources

• Self-assessment tools: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, DiSC Personality Assessment, and Emotional Intelligence assessments help to understand strengths, weaknesses, and leadership style — and will help managers with goal setting.

• Leadership development programs: Training programs offering courses in communication, decision-making, and team building, such as the Professional & Executive Development program Essential Management Skills, provide specific knowledge and practical insights into effective leadership practices.

• Feedback tools: Seek feedback from peers, team members, and mentors through anonymous surveys or Google Forms.

• Networking and mentorship: Investigate professional organizations to learn from experienced leaders, attend networking events, and engage in mentor relationships to seek advice and gain knowledge.

• Time management tools: Practice prioritizing tasks using time-blocking and task-tracking tools to stay organized and focused.

• Books and podcasts: Dedicate time each week to reading or listening to leadership-focused content.

The importance of emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is simply the recognition of the feelings and motivations of others and using that understanding to adapt to different situations and circumstances. It plays a significant role in enhancing productivity in the workplace. 

An empathetic leader who notices when a team member is stressed and offers support encourages a positive workplace culture and enhances collaboration. Improving emotional intelligence involves understanding personal strengths and weaknesses, understanding non-verbal skills, and improving communication skills.

Qualities of emotional intelligence

• Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s own emotions to direct responses to others.

• Self-regulation: Maintaining professionalism in challenging circumstances.

• Motivation: Driving leaders to achieve goals.

• Empathy: How leaders connect with colleagues, foster strong relationships and collaboration, and boost teamwork.

• Social skills: How one interacts with others.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Survey 2025, “Emotional intelligence is projected to be among the top skills required in the business world. It is essential to successful workplace dynamics.”

Sources Retrieved from: Improving Leadership, Harvard Business School. https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/improving-leadership-skills-for-emerging-leaders/#Meet-Our-Experts