On May 6 and 7, we hosted a CCFN Strategic Planning Workshop at the administration conference table. 

As part of that session we identified a set of values that were common to those attending, and for the most part, we would think, common to all Chapleau Cree members. There may be others, but after discussion, we were able to refine several expressions of value to these fundamental few that are described below.
Why are values important to a planning session? Because these become guiding principals for all we do. For example, when we test suggested initiatives, projects or programs against a set of values, we can filter out those items that are in conflict with our fundamental values, and alternately easily recognize items that align themselves tightly with what we consider ‘right’ in our deepest sense.

The first value that we hold closely was that of “Culture”. What we came to realize is that aboriginal culture is of prime importance to us. It is the source of our identity. It embodies our heritage and the teachings and practices of our ancestors. Although we have lost much of this, there is still deep within us, a pride and confidence that identifies us as a people who are the original ‘Survivors’ in Nature. Our culture is important. And because we value culture, all that we do must seek to preserve and transmit our culture for and to our children.

A second value we identified was for an aboriginal sense of “Democracy”. This aboriginal form of democracy allows the member to become informed without hindrance, engaged but not necessarily compelled to action, and allows for equal influence with his peers in the decision making process of governance. 

A third value is that of “Respect” in its broadest sense. This means that all that we do should be done to maintain a deep respect for each other, for our families and elders, for those who might disagree with us, for Mother Earth, and for the power and gentleness of the Creator.

The fourth value is that of the “Family” bond. Family, in the native sense, includes the extended biological family, those adopted into the family, and more broadly, all those that identify themselves under the name of Chapleau Cree First Nation. Without family, we may as well be alone in a sea of ice on the darkest night.

A fifth value and last value we identified in the session is that of “Sustainability” both in the personal sense, and as well, the cultural, and the economic sense. Without a means to sustainability, whether for our selves, or for our community, all that we do is subject to erosion and eventual extinction. Sustainability is the true independence, and the solid path to the future.

When we weigh what we do against all of these values, we can measure the true value and worth in the long term.