Your Voice Matters – Your Vote Counts
During the 2025 federal election in Canada, the importance of Indigenous participation in the political process has never been more critical. For decades, Indigenous peoples have faced systemic barriers to participation in the democratic process. However, the power of the vote has proven to be one of the most significant ways to influence policy, ensure that Indigenous voices are heard, and shape a future that respects the rights and aspirations of our communities.
The Importance of Voting: A Legacy of Struggle and Triumph
For most of Canada’s history, Indigenous peoples were excluded from the political process. It wasn’t until 1960 that Status Indians were granted the right to vote in federal elections, a right that many Canadians take for granted. This landmark change was a hard-won victory, fought for by Indigenous Veterans, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter where Indigenous peoples could finally have a say in the decisions that impact their communities.
Why Voting Matters
The right to vote is not just a symbol of equality but a tool for change. Voting in federal elections is the key to ensuring that Indigenous concerns are at the forefront of political discourse. Here’s why your vote is important:
Representation Matters: When Indigenous people vote, they strengthen the presence of Indigenous leaders in Parliament. This is crucial for advocating for policies that reflect our values, needs, and traditions.
Shaping Policy: The outcome of federal elections directly affects funding, policies, and legislation on critical issues such as Indigenous rights, healthcare, education, housing, and the protection of lands and resources.
Protecting Our Rights: By voting, we ensure that government decisions respect and honor our treaties, land rights, and cultural preservation. The more we participate, the stronger our collective voice becomes in shaping policies that protect our future and the next seven generations.
Indigenous Voting History: A Hard-Won Right
In Canada, Indigenous peoples were not able to vote in federal elections until 1960, when the Indian Act was amended to grant Status Indians the right to participate. Prior to that, Indigenous peoples were largely excluded from the political process, with various barriers preventing their involvement in democratic decision-making.
This exclusion was not just a historical oversight; it was a deliberate policy rooted in colonialism. For many years, Indigenous peoples were denied the fundamental right to have a say in their future.
However, following the change in 1960, Indigenous communities began to assert their presence in Canadian politics, slowly but surely breaking down the walls that had kept them out. Now, with each election, we have the opportunity to engage in the political system that directly impacts our lives, our families, and our communities.