A group representing some Ontario First Nations communities is encouraging aboriginal people to vote in the upcoming provincial election even though other First Nations leaders argue voting provincially will undermine aboriginal self-government.
The Anishinabek Nation, which represents 42 aboriginal communities in the province, says that despite the traditional reluctance of First Nations people to vote, taking part in the Oct. 10 election would benefit aboriginal people.
'Voting in the Canadian or provincial election is compromising our nationhood within our own nation.'— Chief Don Maracle
"We have to address land claims and we have to address the previous treatment of us as residential school victims," said spokesman Bob Goulais. "But unless you're casting your ballot, we're not going to have that voice."
Goulais added that aboriginal people could get a direct say in government by putting together a First Nations Party of Ontario in a future election.
But Don Maracle, chief of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, thinks it's a bad idea for First Nations people to vote.
"Voting in the Canadian or provincial election is compromising our nationhood within our own nation," he said. "We have a different relation with the government than other Canadians do."
He added that many people on the reserve believe voting is an attempt by governments to assimilate them into Canadian society.
In fact, the band council for his community has passed a motion that prevents candidates from even putting campaign signs along roadways within their territory.
And they're not alone in that view, Maracle said.
The Mohawks are part of the Iroquois Confederacy, an alliance of many First Nations communities including Akwasasne, Six Nations and Kahnawake, many of whom take a similar stance on elections.
Maracle disagrees that voting would give First Nations people more of a voice in provincial or federal government on issues such as land claims, even if aboriginals start their own political party.
"I do not believe we will ever have a sufficient voice in the House of Commons to affect mainstream thinking in relation to aboriginal issues," he said.
Ontario Votes 2007 »
- McGuinty wins massive majority, Tory loses seat
- Dalton McGuinty won a second majority government for the Liberals in Ontario on Wednesday night, a triumph for a party that earlier expressed fears of a drop to minority status.
- Ontario rejects electoral reform in referendum
- Ontario voters have rejected a proposed electoral reform that would have seen some provincial legislators chosen based on a party's share of the popular vote, results showed Thursday.
- Ontario voter turnout a record low
- The percentage of eligible voters casting ballots in Wednesday's Ontario election hit an all-time low despite changes introduced in an effort to boost turnout.
- Ont. Green party scores 8 per cent of vote
- No Green party candidates made it to the Ontario legislature in Wednesday's election, but that defeat was sweetened by a swell in their share of the popular vote, which more than doubled.
- McGuinty only leader not facing leadership questions
- Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty won re-election in Ottawa South and NDP Leader Howard Hampton again won his northern Ontario riding of Kenora-Rainy River. PC Leader John Tory was defeated.
District Profiles
More Ontario Votes Headlines »
- McGuinty wins massive majority, Tory loses seat
- Dalton McGuinty won a second majority government for the Liberals in Ontario on Wednesday night, a triumph for a party that earlier expressed fears of a drop to minority status.
- Ontario rejects electoral reform in referendum
- Ontario voters have rejected a proposed electoral reform that would have seen some provincial legislators chosen based on a party's share of the popular vote, results showed Thursday.
- Ontario voter turnout a record low
- The percentage of eligible voters casting ballots in Wednesday's Ontario election hit an all-time low despite changes introduced in an effort to boost turnout.
- Ont. Green party scores 8 per cent of vote
- No Green party candidates made it to the Ontario legislature in Wednesday's election, but that defeat was sweetened by a swell in their share of the popular vote, which more than doubled.
- McGuinty only leader not facing leadership questions
- Liberal Leader Dalton McGuinty won re-election in Ottawa South and NDP Leader Howard Hampton again won his northern Ontario riding of Kenora-Rainy River. PC Leader John Tory was defeated.
