The Assembly of First Nations released their 2015 federal election priorities today.
The six point platform called “Closing the Gap” aims to close the gap in the difference of quality of life between non-indigenous Canadians and aboriginals.
It points to the UN Human Development Index, which ranks Canada between 6th and 8th while First Nations fall between 63rd and 78th.
“Wherever decisions are made, wherever policy is made, legislation is made or programs are developed that impact our people, families, communities and rights” National Chief Perry Bellegarde said “We need individuals that have a First Nations background. We need our First Nations people around all those decision making tables. It’s that simple.”
The AFN recently listed 51 swing ridings across Canada where they say the indigenous vote could have a big impact.
The Cariboo – Prince George riding is on that list, with over 16% of eligible voters being aboriginal. The Skeena – Bulkley Valley has the highest concentration of aboriginal voters in BC at over 33%
“We’ve been marginalized, I can understand why a lot of people don’t want to vote.” Bellegarde said “They feel ‘it’s not our election, it’s not our government’. I understand that; we didn’t get the right to vote until 1961. But I believe that through social media, young people want change. The status quo is not acceptable.”
Bellegarde didn’t endorse any of the parties and says he just wants to see aboriginals engaged in democracy
“Because if you are running to be a member of Parliament, and you know First Nations people don’t vote, are you really going to be concerned about their issues? Our people that don’t vote aren’t helping get these people that make decisions elected.”
The NDP candidate for Cariboo – Prince George, Trent Derrick, is a member of the Gitxsan First Nation. The newly announced NDP candidate in the PG – Peace River – Northern Rockies riding, Kathi Dickie, is a councillor with the Fort Nelson First Nation.