Fall Chief's Meeting

We had a great meeting of all the tribal chiefs at the RBC Center last night...

It was SRO as 2nd year, 3rd year and Blazer/Mate chiefs attended the unofficial kick-off of the 2008-2009 YGP season. Matt, Bobby & Andrew put on an entertaining and informative session as usual. A great many vendors attended and spoke about their events, charities and outing offerings. There is a lot going on for everyone. And it's all online for your perusing pleasure - check it out under the "events" section of the web site.

I had the chance to address the chiefs and decided to offer a few tips on being a chief. Here's what I had to say...

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Welcome Chiefs and congratulations!

To paraphrase William Shakespeare "Some men are born leaders, some achieve leadership, and some have leadership thrust upon them while standing in the queue for the zip line at Spring Outing."

You may have drawn the short straw, you may have been the next in succession, or you may have mud wrestled another dad in the sharks tooth pile for the privilege of being chief - no matter which way you slice it or how you got the title - you are a chief.

My first year as a chief, then Nation Chief and current nation elder council chair Bryan James talked about being chief and that pride we feel when we hear our child beam "My Dad is chief!" That is so true. That moment when you're looking into your child's eyes and you see that pride they feel. Your chest swells, you get that swagger and John Wayne strut - then your wive reminds you who's boss and that the title of chief don't work outside the confines of your tribe much less anywhere else in your house. But for a brief, shining moment, you feel special - you think - "it's good to be the Chief."

Some of you have been chief before. Some are a chief for the first time. As a two-time tribal chief I have a few tips for everyone to ensure a great year under your leadership.

Communicate. Early and often.

Lead. Don't be afraid to take a stand.

Learn. Keep an open mind and accept suggestions.

Adapt. Be ready for anything.

Praise. Be generous in your kind words.

Delegate. Trust your Big Braves to do the right thing.

Appreciate. Be thankful for your tribe.

Give. Your time and your knowledge.

Enjoy. Enough said.


A few years back Chief Wide Wing started the Chief's Challenge. The first challenge was for Little Braves and Princesses to learn Bible scripture. Last year's challenge from Chief Red Cloud dealt with ecology and being good stewards of our planet. My initiative for this year comes straight from home. I want to promote family time and get kids to spend more time with their family as a whole. This year's challenge will be for us share more with the family and maybe let Mom and siblings get a taste of what Guides and Princesses is all about. I will explain in greater detail at Fall Outing, but for now, let's say we will be putting "Family First" this year and expanding our shared experiences.

I am looking forward to an excellent year. I truly appreciate the faith that Matt, Andrew and Bobby have in me and asking me to be Nations Chief. I am honored and I hope that I can serve this great program in a manner set forth by the chiefs that have preceded me.

Thanks - and congratulations again on being a chief...

How-How!