Dissertation Proposal – The Importance of Indigenous Leadership in Indigenous Organizations: A Cultural, Trauma-Informed, and Emotionally Intelligent Perspective.

Dissertation Proposal
what is have submitted so far
The aim of this research is to critically examine how Indigenous leaders integrate emotional intelligence, cultural knowledge, and trauma-informed practices to guide strategic direction and foster resilience within Indigenous-led organizations. I intend to explore the intersection between culturally grounded leadership and organizational effectiveness by investigating how intergenerational trauma, community expectations, and Indigenous knowledge systems shape leadership behaviours and decision-making processes. To examine the influence of cultural identity, values, and intergenerational trauma on leadership behaviour and decision-making. To assess the effectiveness of trauma-informed leadership strategies in fostering organizational resilience and trust. To explore how Indigenous leaders balance traditional knowledge systems with the requirements of Western organizational structures.
I intend to use a qualitative research approach, primarily through semi-structured interviews with Indigenous leaders and staff members within Indigenous-led organizations. This method allows for an in-depth exploration of lived experiences, emotional intelligence, and leadership practices within culturally grounded contexts. Guided by Indigenous research principles (Wilson, 2008), the interviews will be conducted in a conversational and respectful manner, incorporating relational accountability and culturally safe practices. Data will be thematically analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase model to identify recurring themes related to leadership, change, trauma, and emotional intelligence.
I plan to begin by reaching out to people I already know or have worked with in the Indigenous leadership space, whose leadership naturally reflects emotional intelligence, strong cultural roots, and an understanding of trauma-informed approaches. These individuals have real-life experience navigating the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading in Indigenous-led organizations or organizations that have an Indigenous mandate, which makes their insight especially valuable for this research. Potential participants include senior representatives from organizations such as the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), Farm Credit Canada, and Indigenous-led enterprises such as the Tipi Group of Companies. Each will be contacted via email with an invitation to participate, accompanied by an information sheet and consent form. This qualitative study will use semi-structured interviews with a target sample size of 3 or 4 participants. This size is ideal for thematic depth while maintaining feasibility for coding and analysis using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) framework.