Governance is often talked about in policies, bylaws, and training sessions. Those are important tools, but they are not where most people experience governance. Community members experience governance in meetings, decisions, communication, and follow-through.
Good governance is not a theory. It is something you can see, feel, and experience in everyday leadership moments. It shows up in how power is used, how relationships are maintained, and how decisions are made under pressure.
Picture this:
You’re in council chambers. The agenda is packed. A funding deadline looms. Citizens are raising concerns on Facebook. A decision is on the table, and half the room doesn’t agree.
This is where governance shows up, not in theory, but in practice.
Good governance isn’t about fancy frameworks or binders collecting dust. It’s how leaders behave in the heat of the moment. It’s how decisions are made, how power is used, and how people feel when they interact with leadership. It’s visible. It’s lived. Here are three powerful signs your Nation is practicing strong governance every day:
1. Clear Roles and Boundaries
Strong Nations don’t blur the lines between leadership and administration. Chief and Council lead politically. Administration runs the day-to-day operations. Everyone knows the difference and respects it.
When this boundary is clear, decisions get made faster. Accountability is easier. Fewer toes are stepped on, and trust grows between teams.
One coastal Nation even uses colour-coded briefing folders, red for political, blue for operational, to keep discussions in the right lane.
Insight: When everyone stays in their lane, the whole Nation moves forward more smoothly.
2. Consistent, Transparent Decision-Making
Strong governance shows up when tough decisions are made and clearly explained. There’s a record. There’s a reason. And there’s follow-through.
Even when a decision is unpopular, people can respect it when they know:
• Who made it
• Why it was made
• How it aligns with values and policy
One Interior Nation posts council decisions online every month, along with a short video summary from the Chief. It’s helped citizens understand the ‘why’ behind decisions and reduced misinformation.
Insight: Transparency builds resilience. Especially when people don’t agree.
3. Informed and Engaged Citizens
In well-governed Nations, citizens know how to get involved — and feel that their voices matter.
They’re not left guessing when decisions are made or how they can participate. They’re informed through newsletters, social posts, and community meetings. They’re engaged through surveys, youth councils, and open Q&As.
One northern Nation started hosting ‘Coffee with Council’ every two months. No agendas, just listening. It’s strengthened trust, especially among young members.
Insight: Engagement isn’t just an event. It’s a habit.
Conclusion: Governance That’s Felt, Not Just Written
Strong governance isn’t something you define. It’s something your people can feel.
It shows up in the relationships you build, the clarity you provide, and the decisions you make — especially when things are hard. When your Nation leads with clarity, transparency, and trust, your people notice. And they respond.
At AFOA BC, we’re here to help your Nation build those visible, practical habits that strengthen your governance, one meeting, one decision, one conversation at a time.