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.