b'COVER STORYA s the newly elected and first-ever female Grandas life-givers, she shares. We come from a place of wanting Chief of Anishinabek Nation, Linda Debassigeand needing our families to survive multi-generationally. knew that she would be cutting new ground.Leading from a life-giving perspective, Debassige says, means At times, it can be quite lonely, she says in anthat Indigenous women want what is best for everyoneeven interview with Andre Morriseau, managing editor of She is Wise.adversaries. [Indigenous women] bring a different element to Debassige notes that political spaces are predominantly male,even local policies, she shares, highlighting family, inclusion and and that it is common for men in politics to behave in ways thatgentleness as key focuses. She knows that gentleness should never Indigenous women cannot. As an Indigenous woman, I find thatbe seen as a weakness but rather celebrated as a strength. the bar is higher for us as women. That double standard can be quite frustrating, she says: There are things men in politicalDebassige recognizes that the expectations that are placed on leadership roles can do, but if a woman does it, its a tragedy. Chiefs causes further difficulty for Indigenous women in those leadership roles, and notes that refusing favouritism towards Indigenous women in politics not only face racism and discrimina- family has resulted in social media violence against her. Thats tion but also experience gendered violence. As a woman inwhere I realized, wow, this can become very personal. While this politics, I have to be a lot more strategic, Debassige says, statingbacklash occurs for male Chiefs as well, Indigenous women in that she must be a lot more articulate and very precise aboutpolitics carry gender as another point of discrimination. what she says. For Indigenous women in politics, general and broad statements can be misinterpreted, questioned and over- Despite the added challenges, Debassige stays true to herself in analyzed, while statements that are too direct could lead to name- her work. I remember when I was elected as Chief, I believed in calling. When men are direct, Debassige argues, they are seenfairness and equity across the board, she reflects. My role is to as strong leaders, while when women are direct, they are seen ashelp all of our people as best I can and advocate for those needs. controlling. As a woman, I can say and do things that are strong, determined, powerful, she asserts. But Ill be called, you know,COLONIAL VIOLENCE AND TRAUMAselect names. I could be called controlling.According to Debassige, peoples perception of strong female As the first-ever female Grand Chief, Debassige recognizes thatleadership is very much rooted in their experiences as children there is a definite need for more Indigenous women to bewith their mothers. Being a woman in an elected leadership involved in politics. We look at things through a different lensposition can be challenging as well, because our people are still Providing Indigenous Health Care across 33 FirstNation communities in Kiiwetinoong. SLFNHAcoordinates the delivery of high quality, culturallysensitive heath care, while playing a leadership rolein the development of First Nations health policy.Come see slfnha.com/careerswhat SLFNHAhas to offer! Healthy Careers Grow Here!Ontario Native Womens Association33'