As Canadians prepare to head to the polls this Monday, April 28, debates around party platforms and leadership continue to shape the national conversation. Among these voices, Canada’s Indigenous population is once again being encouraged to step forward and make their voices heard at the ballot box.
Historically, the right for Indigenous peoples to vote in federal elections was not easily won. Under the Indian Act, federal officials believed that First Nations people were not capable of making such significant political decisions. In fact, prior to 1960, Indigenous individuals had to give up their Indian Status through a process known as enfranchisement—which demanded they abandon their culture and identity—just to vote.
This approach mirrored the assimilationist policies of residential schools, which began in 1831 when the federal government started funding their operation.
Some Indigenous veterans gained voting rights after serving in World War I, but it wasn’t until 1960 that all First Nations people in Canada were finally granted unconditional voting rights in federal elections.
Despite these hard-won rights, voter turnout among Indigenous populations continues to be lower than the national average. Why? Some see participation in Canadian elections as an important part of democracy—there’s no excuse not to vote. Others, however, see it as a contradiction to self-governance and traditional governance models.
Still, Indigenous leaders are urging communities not to let the struggle for voting rights be forgotten or wasted.
**With voting day just around the corner, First Nations communities are in a powerful position to influence the outcome—**but only if people get out and vote. As a voting bloc, Indigenous voters can sway the result, especially in close races.
Make sure the information on your voter card—which you should have already received—is correct. If it’s not, visit elections.ca to get it updated.
Candidates in Your Riding Include:
- Taylor Bachrach – NDP (Incumbent)
- Ellis Ross – Conservative
- Inderpal Dhillon – Liberal
- Adeana Young – Green Party
- Rod Taylor – Christian Heritage Party
Your vote matters. The only way to make your voice heard is to mark an “X” next to the candidate who will represent you best.
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