Principles of Good Government

The Members of the Cree Nation of Wemindji believe that “Good Government” respects the following Principles in all its decisions, actions and behaviors.

By “Government”, we mean all individuals who serve as Chief and Council, in the Administration, or on any Boards, Committees or Corporations accountable to Chief and Council.

“Good Government” is a fully democratic Government, one that is for the People, and by the People, and of the People.

A Government that listens to its Members, and consults with them before making major decisions:

Before making major decisions, the Chief and Council hold regular public meetings to enable the Members to fulfill their obligations to inform the Government of their thinking and ideas on major issues affecting the Members, the community, the Cree Nation, or Eeyou Istchee.
Likewise, the Chief and Council hold regular meetings to enable the Members to identify priority issues, concerns and needs to be addressed.
In these consultation sessions, the Government is expected to make known its own “best thinking”.
The sessions are designed to encourage open and constructive discussion from all participants, and to assure that the Council has properly understood the views of the Members.
All ideas are considered with respect. They are duly recorded and made available, and the Chief and Council will report on how this input has been dealt with.
Public meetings are well publicized in advance, with an agenda, to enable as many as possible to participate.
The Government also maintains an up-to-date “resource center” where the Members, including the Youth, can go to obtain information about by-laws, Council minutes, resolutions and reports, as well as useful information about jobs and other developments.
Representatives of the Government are present at special community events.

A Government that is open, honest and transparent in its dealings, and provides regular feedback to the Members:

The Government holds regular public meetings to provide open, accurate, and useful feedback on major decisions and developments, and particularly on actions taken based on community input and consultations.
The Government provides good, user-friendly information through various means to keep Members educated and aware about major developments and issues affecting the Community and the Cree Nation.
Information on complicated matters, like financial information or special agreements with other governments, is presented in a simple manner, so everyone is able to understand.
Additional information and feedback is provided through the radio, using interviews and call-in shows.

A Government that is trustworthy, ethical, responsible and accountable to the Members:

All members of the Government understand and respect that the monies and funds entrusted to them belong to the Members of the Cree Nation of Wemindji; they commit to use these funds only in the most effective, fair and responsible manner.
The Government also receives many funds for specific purposes; and with specific criteria attached to them: the Government respects these conditions and criteria.
The Government manages the Members’ resources so that the Members are not placing future generations in debt.
The Chief and Council always put the interests of the Community before their own.
All decisions are fair and based on “merit”, and not on personal or individual political agendas, including nepotism.
The Government has clear policies to guide fair and effective decision making, and respects these policies at all times.
The Government evaluates its programs and decisions on a regular basis to ensure that funds are being managed fairly and effectively.
The Government has the conviction to respect its own decisions, even in the face of personal opposition, and knows how to deal with criticism in a constructive manner.
The Chief and Council provide a full, accurate and timely report and accounting on the funds entrusted to them, on a regular basis. These reports are designed to be simple, so that everyone can understand them.
Likewise, the Chief and Council provide a full, accurate and timely report and accounting on any commitments and campaign promises they made to the People.
The Government respects its Code of Ethics and Good Conduct, and enforces the respect of the Code.

A Government that is caring, compassionate, flexible and present:

The Government is approachable and accessible; it is there when it is supposed to be. Also, the Government is there beyond the call of duty, when it is needed for special circumstances.
The Government is punctual and disciplined, and respects the hours of work that are designed to provide the best possible service for the Members.
This includes a staff that is present, available, caring and respectful when Members seek their help, guidance, or support.
The Government is understanding and responsive, and can deal fairly with individual circumstances, where these clearly represent exceptional needs.
The Government is resourceful and takes a “we can” problem solving approach to new problems. It avoids any unnecessary bureaucracy that restricts service or creates unproductive obstacles for Members.
The Government responds to the Members in Cree; thereafter, it makes reasonable effort to respond in one of the other two second languages, namely English or French, according to the preference of the Member.
The Government members reside in the Community, and its members are active participants in Community events.

A Government that is fully competent, informed, professional and Proactive:

The Government employs the most qualified people to plan and provide for the best possible services and programs for the Members.
The Government uses effective, efficient and accountable management and professional practices.
The Government shows good judgement and takes effective action on a timely basis.
Members of the Government are informed; they know the programs, practices, and procedures sufficiently to provide good service and make fair and effective decisions on a timely basis.

A Government that is visionary, forward-looking:

The Government is always looking to the future, and protecting the best interests of future generations of Eeyouch.
The Government plans carefully, in consultation with the Members and consistent with its Vision, it sticks to these plans with wise discipline.

A stable and secure Government:

The People need stability from the Government, including during the periods preceding, during and following elections.
When there is a change in elected personnel, the People do not want to see any significant change in the fundamentals of our Government, without first consulting the People. The “fundamentals of our Government” include: our Vision, our Principles of Good Government, our basic programs and policies, and the safety and security of our Community.

A Government that is Eeyouch:

The Government knows, understands, values and respects the Eeyou culture, traditions, and rights, and seeks to strengthen and protect these at all times.
An Eeyou Government is a respectful one. It deals with each person as a person of equal dignity, with equal rights.
The members of our Government conduct themselves as role models for the Eeyouch. Whenever they represent the Government, they show respect by conducting themselves consistent with our Code of Ethics and Good Conduct.