This level seeks for evidence of a peaceful society that empowers members. Both of the Cree Nations of Opaskwayak and Fisher River had ECs as research participants, and both communities have many examples of positive empowerment of employees. The gap for ECs, in general, is seen in a lack of career development and human resource supports. There is some urgency here for communities to develop the skills for employment counselling services. In some farther north reserves, the turnover in these positions prohibits almost all success. The provincial program is not responsible for many of these programs; these are employees selected by First Nation community Leadership without the benefit of job descriptions or mentors.
A fair and democratic process of leadership selection, along with solid policies and guidelines for the effective management of the community, are indicators of health at this level. Many of the ECs discussed the rapid leadership changes on reserves and the detrimental effect this had on programming. The current leadership has the ability to work with the community on the long-term structures and policies that need to remain stable despite the current electoral process.
In a healthy community, there is growth and prosperity. For many First Nations communities in Manitoba, there is neither of these. The barriers to wealth in these communities is evidenced by the findings and answers to sub question three and suggest the major barriers include: geographic isolation, transportation, communication, networking, access to basic essential services, employment opportunities, infrastructure, social and health conditions, and access to education. All of these take money and all of these will aid the EC in directing the jobs seeker with multiple barriers to the places they need to go for help. There are models of successful programs built on partnerships and linked together to sustain the needs of the learner. First Nations communities need to replicate the successful programs and models, including the planning process. As seen in current conditions, financial capacity will not be gained through short-term planning.
The First Nations communities do not seem to be any further advanced in planning for environmental purposes than the rest of Canada. There is, however, some indications that there is a growing awareness of the life conditions and a passionate desire to help turn things around. As the community develops the ability to clearly see themselves, they will begin to design programs that complement each other and maximize the resources and staffing available. The local EC in these communities can best be supported to enhance their job activities if they are able to collect good information about their communities and are provided with a voice at the planning table so they can make the case for the needs of their clients.