Since 1994 my commitment has been in working work at the community level – avoiding umbrella organisations.

I have worked with numerous communities in the last ten years in Yukon, British Columbia which have been small, medium and large; rich and poor; remote and urban; and seriously troubled, struggling and successful.

My view is that economies of scale make a difference; leaders make a difference; cultural values make a difference; and umbrella organizations seldom contribute to community success.

To assist with hands-on training at the community level, I produced the First Nations Governance Handbook: A Resource Guide for Effective Councils. Prepared for a joint committee of First Nations leaders and Government of Canada officials in 2001, the Handbook is now being used across Canada by First Nations to develop effective governance policies and processes on the ground.