AFN’s call for Indigenous voters to be election ‘kingmakers’ challenged by lack of voter enthusiasm, say chiefs and politicos
Despite the Assembly of First Nations’ assertion that Indigenous electors in 24 ridings could play the role of “kingmakers” in the upcoming election, regional chiefs and political experts say it is unlikely that there will be a huge boost in turnout like there was during the 2015 election. Three chiefs and two experts say that […]
The race for Parliament Hill: Liberals, NDP jockey to fill void left in Ottawa Centre
With an incumbent cabinet minister not seeking re-election, the race for Ottawa Centre may seem wide open, but history has shown it’s going to be a two-way fight between the Liberals and the NDP to represent Parliament Hill’s riding. Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Minister Catherine McKenna, first elected in 2015, regained the Ottawa Centre […]
Native Women’s Association of Canada slams feds after non-Indigenous man appointed to lead MMIWG Secretariat
The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) said colonialism is “alive and well” in a pointed letter to Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett over the interim appointment of Bruno Steinke, a non-Indigenous man, as the executive director of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Secretariat (MMIWG Secretariat). Mr. Steinke is in the position […]
Much to be desired in party outreach to marginalized, minority communities this election, say advocates
Representation in politics matters, and from policies announced to the party candidates nominated, many diversity advocates who recently spoke with The Hill Times say it’s still too early to tell which party is doing the best to reach out to marginalized and minority communities this election, but they know what they want to see. While […]
AFN outlines election priorities, calls on parties to help ‘strengthen and rebuild First Nations’
The Canadian electorate is more engaged and supportive of the Assembly of First Nations’ priorities “than ever before,” according to National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, who says party platforms should address Indigenous issues of economic prosperity, national sovereignty, climate change, and healing from residential schools. During an Aug. 31 virtual press conference, Ms. Archibald presented The Healing […]
Weeks in, what is the point of this election?
We are now into the third week of the federal election and Justin Trudeau has yet to offer anything to voters that could not have been accomplished without dissolution. There are few new ideas, no big ideas—just ones that build incrementally on what has gone before. In fact, the argument that has gained traction, mainly […]
It’s time to recall the foundational values of the Treaty relationship
The month of August marks the 150th anniversary of two of the western numbered treaties: Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2. In this seventh generation since Treaty, as Canadians and as First Nations, it is a good time to talk about the true meaning of the Treaty relationship. Treaty First Nations are celebrating this anniversary […]
Once again, Indigenous trauma falls off the radar
If we have to do an election, then let’s talk about things that matter. What is the role of governments in the new world of pandemics and crisis: passive or active? What are we going to do now about the climate emergency, as we have obviously turned a huge corner? If we have to do […]
Canada raises the bar with first Indigenous GG, sends important message to international community
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—This summer’s appointment of Mary Simon as Governor General—an Inuk born in Kangiqsualujjuaq in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec—sends an important message from Canada to the international community. In sharp contrast to the current political milieu across the globe, there is no other democratically elected government on earth taking such progressive actions in […]
Promises, promises, but the GG might actually keep hers
In Beauty and the Beast, there is a scene where the Beast is looking for advice as to how he can win the love of Belle. Lumière, the talking candlestick, helpfully suggests that the Beast make Belle “promises you don’t intend to keep.” As we have entered the season where election promises are made, some […]
