Indigenous leadership in universities: One Indigenous perspective

This paper will provide an Indigenous male perspective on Indigenous leadership in universities. The paper will not refer to western leadership models and theories as its purpose is to crystallise the notion of Indigenous leadership for Indigenous people in leadership positions and those aspiring to be in these positions. The term 'Indigenous leadership' is used so often today that many Indigenous people lack confidence in the term and do not know what it means. This is why a paper on Indigenous leadership from an Indigenous perspective is needed. This paper shows that the term is nothing to be intimidated by and shows that Indigenous people with a strong Indigenous identity, vision and focus are able to provide strong Indigenous leadership in universities. However, they must take more responsibility for being familiar with Indigenous issues and to develop strategies to address these issues rather than leave other staff to address these issues. The paper contends that those in Indigenous leadership positions in universities should remain focused on core university business with a hands-on approach.