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Kim Baird

Chief, the Tsawwassen First Nation Ultimately, the best advice is something I've heard from many places, which is to be yourself. Now they have a fancy word for it: authenticity. It just means that you can be effective without having to have a persona. I've found that, as a young woman...

By Jessica Werb /

Kim Baird

Chief, the Tsawwassen First Nation

 

Ultimately, the best advice is something I’ve heard from many places, which is to be yourself. Now they have a fancy word for it: authenticity. It just means that you can be effective without having to have a persona. I’ve found that, as a young woman, I have a very collaborative style, which is not seen as typical of Indian chiefs or negotiators.
 

 

Earlier in my career, I actually had a mentor tell me I was naive because of my approach, because I wasn’t pounding the table with my fist and that sort of thing. It really undermined my confidence for a period of time. I had to learn the hard way that I could be effective just being myself, and since then I’ve been successful by following my own style of leadership. I’m working hard at implementing B.C.’s first urban land treaty, and my sixth term as chief is secure. No one else ran against me. Some people think it’s because I’m doing a good job, but I kind of think it’s because no one else wants the job!