Chief of Yukon's Kwanlin Dün First Nation urges citizens to vote
'It's our right to vote and I don't think we should be taking it lightly,' says Chief Doris Bill
It's a new approach for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation: the chief is going door-to-door, accompanied by an election coordinator, to ensure that everyone is registered to vote and knows the First Nations' issues.
Doris Bill was out in Whitehorse's MacIntyre community on Friday, talking to people about both the municipal and federal elections.
Yukon is one of 51 ridings identified by the Assembly of First Nations as one where the aboriginal vote could tip the balance. In the past, the First Nations vote has been lower than the national average, but Bill says the 2015 election could be a turning point,
"There are many issues that the federal government deals with that affects us as a community, and we need to have our say," Bill says.
"It's our right to vote. And I don't think we should be taking it lightly."
Mary Battaja, 72, is a member of the Nacho Nyak Dun First Nation. She says voting is important to her as a Canadian, and applauds Bill's efforts.
Battaja says people need to be informed about issues and platforms before they vote.
"People feel there's a need for a change. We like to see the government work, government to government, but things have changed a lot," Battaja says.
"Whoever becomes prime minister has to seriously take into account what the people's voices are really saying and they should be heard."
Judith Custer, 71, says she always votes, and took Bill's advice and went to the advance poll on Friday.
She believes that First Nations voters will be out in full strength on October 19th.
"I think this year it will change, because we do have the power, and the knowledge now to be swaying the government, whichever way we feel that it's gonna benefit our First Nations people. You bet we do!" Custer says.
A coordinator will continue to knock on doors next week to make sure that Kwanlin Dün citizens are registered, have the proper documentation, and to offer transportation to the polling stations.
Bill says Kwanlin Dün is part of a national trend.
"I can tell you that the First Nation community across the country is mobilizing like never before and this community is no different."
