The dismissal of Indigenous forms of government in favour of the European-style municipal government displaced traditional political structures and did not reflect, consider, or honour Indigenous needs and values. A chief was more likely to be elected based on his ability to communicate and negotiate with government agencies as well as maintain his commitment to community, values, and traditions. The federal government also did not recognize that each Nation had its own style of governance with specialized skills, tools, authority, and capacity developed over centuries.
