Leadership & Coaching

President Day became an elected leader of his people at the age of 25 while pursuing law school and helping raise four young children at home. Two years later, he became the Tahltan Nation’s Spokesperson and the executive and administrative leader of the Tahltan Central Government (TCG), which represents his nation’s collective rights and title. Being the President of the TCG required considerable travel commitments, 60+ hour work weeks and was extremely stressful in the early years when the government’s capacity, morale and staff numbers were low. Like many Indigenous leaders under constant pressure and scrutiny, Chad was often frustrated, depressed and increasingly feeling hopeless, betrayed and upset. To make matters worse, he was going through an awful separation with his former spouse and the family learned that his mother was diagnosed with cancer. He started gaining weight, drinking alcohol, lacking sleep and losing himself. In December of 2014, just six months into his new political role, President Day became hospitalized from a heart condition caused by fatigue and stress. He had to make significant changes to his lifestyle and mindset, and thereafter that’s exactly what he did. Nearly ten years after being hospitalized, and following several years of mentoring many Indigenous leaders and youth, President Day is now in a position to dedicate more of his time to empowering and assisting others who may be facing difficulties in their own work and/or familial environments.

Chad believes being an effective leader requires one to empower themselves in a wholistic way through four pillars: family, culture, health and livelihood. He believes effective leaders who have chosen public service as their calling and livelihood must dedicate ample time and commitment to their family, culture and health in order to become effective and sustainable in their important roles. Working for Indigenous peoples is extremely rewarding, but often very difficult on one’s spirit and mental/physical health for distinct reasons. When someone works for their own people, there are additional challenges being under scrutiny of those you love most in an area in which you will be connected to forever. The historical drama, injustice and anger endured by Indigenous peoples is multifaceted and is usually passed on from one generation to another, though it may be expressed in different forms in the modern day. Indigenous organizations, communities and governments are usually very small and close-knit, and it may be difficult to speak with neutral individuals who can relate to your challenges and provide you with a safe space and sound advice on how to move forward in a good way.

Thadu Consulting Corporation can provide training, workshops and one-on-one services to assist those who may be looking for additional support.