Keeper of the Drums: Female Aboriginal Leadership and the Salience of Gender

This paper examines gender differences in leadership among Aboriginals in Canada. Sixteen leaders were interviewed. While commonalities in leadership approaches were noted (i.e. spirituality, long-term perspective, and focus on the overall health of the community), the salience of gender was apparent in the comments of the female Aboriginal leaders who noted a need to outperform others because of issues of racism and sexism that they must contend with. Furthermore, the female respondents noted their struggle with mainstream views of feminism and presented an alternate view on gender expectations and roles consistent with their cultural values. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]