Relationship, Accountability, and Collective Responsibility
Our rights and title to our lands and waters are inherent. They have existed since our first ancestors came into relationship with our territories. These rights do not belong to any one individual or office. They are held collectively through our laws, our Na ̱ ’mima, and our responsibilities to one another and to the land. They arise from who we are as a people and from the relationships we continue to carry.
Today, we are living in a time of rapid change. Decisions about land, resources, governance, and representation are happening more often and with greater urgency. Governments and industry are moving quickly. As a result, the responsibilities carried by our leadership and our Na ̱ ’mima have increased.
In this environment, disagreement is natural. When decisions affect our lands and future generations, people will have strong views. This is not a weakness in our governance. It shows how deeply our people care about our territories and our Nation.
Published by Kumugwe Cultural Society. Created by Na ̱ gedzi, Rob Everson, Aabawasige, Jeannine Lindsay.