Hunt on in Saskatchewan for Canada's 'everyday political citizens'

Darlene Rose Okemaysim-Sicotte knows all about political engagement, and she is hoping more people in Saskatchewan like herself will be nominated for the Samara Everyday Political Citizen project.

The project recognizes ordinary Canadians who are engaging in the country's political culture in both big and small ways, from people who door knock to those who volunteer on campaigns.

Two years ago, Okemaysim-Sicotte was named a finalist in the competition for working tirelessly to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous women.

"For me, it's just the idea of being more engaged and understanding governance and leadership," said Okemaysim-Sicotte.

Okemaysim-Sicotte works for the Saskatchewan Native Theatre Company and she recently started doing indigenous outreach on the federal campaign for Lisa Abbott, a First Nations woman running for the Liberal Party in Saskatoon. 

Citizens 'need motivation and inspiration'

Okemaysim-Sicotte said she often comes across people who pay attention to current affairs, but don't know what to do with the information they have. She says that's why people like her are needed.

"They are impacted by what they are seeing and hearing and I think sometimes they need motivation and inspiration," she said. "I think that's what brings people like me that are pretty relentless and have the energy and have the knowledge and have skills and can do these kinds of things." 

"It's pretty gratifying when you can have a thoughtful conversation that's not too adversarial, but the debate is there and you're hearing each others opinions and perspectives."

This year she is a judge for the Samara Everyday Citizen Project alongside Rick Mercer, John Baird and Shad. 

Nominations are being accepted here until Oct. 19.