The majority of the respondents (88 percent, fifteen out of seventeen) felt they exerted culturally appropriate and effective leadership in their ° positions. The women mentioned the use of the cultural values of re- < u spect, humility, trust, and relationships as well as honoring traditions, including the acknowledgment of traditional female roles. In response to the question, one woman said "everyday dealing with tribal members and community (non-natives)," while another respondent stated, "We need to be rooted and that includes knowing your our' history, I work with youth and try to teach honor, respect and tradition." These strong statements by the American Indian women in this study confirm the importance of culture to effective leadership