Opinion: Indigenous issues are, in fact, pivotal in this election – Globe and Mail

Some say that First Nations, Métis and Inuit people don’t vote in high enough numbers in federal election campaigns, and so promises directed at us reap no rewards at the polling station.

But in 2021, that is proving to be far from the truth. Political winds are changing. Indigenous voices are finally being heard, and our issues do matter to Canadians in this election.

Yes, we do vote. Yes, some Indigenous people believe in abstention, as is their sovereign choice, but in 2015, 61.5 per cent of the First Nations on-reserve population voted, which was only slightly below the national number. It dropped a little in 2019, but we certainly turn out when it counts. And there is significant motivation to vote in this election.

Read More: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-indigenous-issues-are-in-fact-pivotal-in-this-election/