The word for leadership in Western Cree is nîkânastamâkêwin, but the concept itself is hard to define or summarize. Historically, the role of a leader for the Cree people has been based on a person’s qualities and values rather than strict hereditary lineage. 

Whereas Western interpretations of leadership involve strict hierarchy, individualism and conformity, Indigenous conceptions of leadership are based on collectivism, decentralized power, non-interference, consensus decision-making and a belief in the imminent value of all things.

Historically, across nearly all Indigenous cultures leaders had to demonstrate a deep concern for the well-being of others, a respect for differences and an understanding that each member of the group has something to contribute. These values were inoculated early for youth that were marked to take on leadership roles.

But these leadership structures were severely destabilized or destroyed with the advent of settler colonialism, which robbed Indigenous people of their systems of autonomous governance and instead imposed harshly hierarchical and authoritarian systems.