Our Core Values

Guided by Indigenous teachings, our core values reflect how we treat each other and how we show up each day to meet the mission and vision of CNAY.  We are here with a purpose set in motion by our ancestors seven generations ago and have a responsibility to continue the good work for the next seven generations.

IDENTITY & CULTURE

One’s IDENTITY & CULTURE provide a sense of belonging and purpose. It grounds us in a framework from which to make purposeful decisions and interact with our communities. Identity & Culture provide us with strength, vision and confidence to carry out our responsibilities.

RESPECT

It is important to RESPECT yourself first so that you can pass on that respect to all beings. Respect means being kind, courteous and listening with an open heart and mind.  It means holding yourself accountable for your actions, and how you treat others. 

RELATIONSHIPS

We are all RELATED and connected. Our actions and decisions are informed by the Relationships we have with one another. The way we care for and hold each other accountable come from the Relationships we nurture amongst ourselves and our Mother Earth. 

RESPONSIBILITY

As relatives, we have a RESPONSIBILITY to one another to be a good relative. We are Responsible to our people – past, present and those yet to be born.  This means we must be intentional about our behaviors, actions and treatment of one another.  We hold each other accountable and we support, uplift and guide others. 

COMMUNITY

We are members of our CNAY COMMUNITY, our larger communities and Tribal Nations. That means we have a responsibility to be a contributing member to make our Communities stronger and better for the collective whole.

HUMILITY

We won’t always have the answers. It is important to be HUMBLE and open to learning, growing, change and honesty amongst ourselves and with our communities.