First Nations politician Lawrence Joseph announces he will seek the nomination to be the NDP candidate in the next federal election for a northern Saskatchewan riding. (David Shield/CBC)

Lawrence Joseph, an experienced First Nations politician, is looking to be an NDP candidate in the next federal election for a northern Saskatchewan riding.

Joseph, who failed to win re-election as chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations in voting last fall, announced Friday that he will seek the NDP nomination for Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River.

Joseph said he was drawn to the NDP because of its strong focus on social justice.

"I've never really been a party person," Joseph said. "But I think the agenda of the NDP has been one that's attractive to me.

"They're advocates," he added. "They basically say what they want to say. They're not afraid to call a spade a spade."

The federal riding is currently represented by Conservative MP Rob Clarke.