What Does Tribal Leadership Really Mean?

In this episode of All My Relations, guest host Dallas Goldtooth sits down with Theresa Sheldon, citizen and elected Secretary of the Tulalip Tribes, for an unfiltered conversation about sovereignty, leadership, and the responsibilities Native nations carry today. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in tribal policy and governance, Theresa challenges conventional ideas about power and leadership. Together, they discuss tribal responses to immigration enforcement, the limits of colonial government structures, the ongoing fight for jurisdiction and sovereignty, and why elected officials are not always the same as community leaders. The conversation also explores intergenerational trauma, healing, and what it means to move beyond survival. Theresa reflects on the importance of protecting Native children, rebuilding community wellness, and a question that resonates throughout the episode: If we're all willing to die for our nations, who is living for them? This episode is a powerful reflection on Indigenous leadership, accountability, healing, and the work of building strong nations for future generations. Produced by Matika Wilbur Hosted by Dallas Goldtooth AV Production by Pancho Francisco Sánchez Artwork by Kitana Connelly Social Media Strategy by Mandy Yeahpau Text us your thoughts! Support the show Follow us on Instagram @amrpodcast, or support our work on Patreon.  Show notes are published on our website, Allmyrelationspodcast.com. Matika's book Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America is available now!  T'igwicid and Hyshqe for being on this journey with us.