In Canada, First Nations peoples have long struggled for proper representation in the political system. Despite the right to vote being granted in 1960, Indigenous participation in the democratic process continues to face barriers, leading to underrepresentation in Parliament. According to IndigenousRockTheVote.ca Indigenous Members of Parliament represented only 2.7% of the 338 seats in the 2021 federal election, even though Indigenous peoples make up approximately 4.7% of Canada's total population. Should First Nations have dedicated seats in Parliament to address this gap?
The Case for Dedicated Seats
One argument for dedicated seats in Parliament is that it would ensure Indigenous voices are directly involved in the legislative process, which could help address the specific needs and concerns of Indigenous communities. Canada could draw on the experiences of countries like New Zealand and Taiwan, both of which have established systems for Indigenous representation.
In New Zealand, the Māori electorates, established in 1867, provide Māori citizens with dedicated seats in Parliament. This has allowed for better representation, enabling Māori leaders to advocate for policies that directly benefit their communities. It’s a model that ensures the Māori population is not only heard but also has a tangible impact on shaping national policy.
Similarly, Taiwan has reserved seats for Indigenous peoples in its legislature. These seats have allowed Taiwan's Indigenous communities to have their voices heard on critical issues like land rights and cultural preservation. By reserving seats for Indigenous representatives, both countries have ensured that their governments are more inclusive and responsive to the unique needs of their Indigenous populations.
The Debate: Can Representation Be Achieved Through Other Means?
However, there are arguments against the establishment of dedicated seats. Some may argue that creating reserved seats for Indigenous peoples would be a form of segregation, separating Indigenous peoples from the broader political landscape. Instead, critics may suggest that First Nations candidates should continue to run for office in general ridings, where their success depends on the support of all voters, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.
This argument was notably brought to the forefront in Jody Wilson-Raybould’s 2015 election victory. As the first Indigenous woman to be elected as a Member of Parliament, Wilson-Raybould’s success raised questions about the need for dedicated seats. She ran and won in Vancouver Granville, a predominantly non-Indigenous riding, showing that Indigenous representation could be achieved through traditional electoral processes. Wilson-Raybould’s story highlights the importance of merit-based representation, where Indigenous candidates can win in competitive ridings, proving that Indigenous peoples can succeed in the existing system without the need for reserved seats.
However, Wilson-Raybould’s experience was not without controversy. After she was removed from the Liberal Party’s caucus in 2019, she became a vocal critic of the Liberal government. Her situation, combined with the broader context of Indigenous political challenges, raises the question: Why should Indigenous peoples have to fight within a system that was not originally designed to include them? Her situation underscores the ongoing struggle for true inclusion, where Indigenous peoples are still forced to contend with systemic barriers even when they have the qualifications and support to succeed.
Robert Falcon Ouellette is another example of Indigenous leadership within Canada’s political landscape. As a former Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre, he made history by being the first Indigenous person to speak the Cree language in the House of Commons. His dedication to Indigenous rights and social justice hasmade him a strong advocate for meaningful change, and he continues to push for increased Indigenous representation. Ouellette's commitment to creating opportunities for Indigenous youth and ensuring their voices are heard in politics highlights the importance of representation within the current system. His leadership demonstrates that Indigenous peoples can break barriers, but it also reinforces the need for structures that guarantee these voices are not sidelined in national discourse
What Can Canada Learn?
The current representation gap in Canada—where Indigenous MPs make up only 2.7% of Parliament despite Indigenous peoples making up 4.7% of the population—reveals a deeper issue in Canadian democracy. Is the system failing to properly represent the interests of Indigenous peoples, or is the answer to create a more inclusive and equitable system by establishing dedicated seats?
Countries like New Zealand and Taiwan provide valuable lessons. Their systems ensure that Indigenous populations have a voice in national policy decisions. Canada’s history of exclusion and marginalization calls for a serious discussion about how Indigenous peoples can be more effectively represented.
Conclusion: A Step Toward True Representation
The question of whether First Nations should have dedicated seats in Parliament is not easily answered. While Jody Wilson-Raybould’s success demonstrates the possibility of representation through existing processes, the broader issue remains: how can Canada ensure all Indigenous voices are heard in meaningful ways?
A system of dedicated seats for First Nations could be a practical and effective solution to ensure fair representation. By adopting such a system, Canada would be taking a significant step toward reconciliation and addressing the long-standing political and social inequities faced by Indigenous peoples. The current political system in Canada must evolve to reflect the diversity and complexity of its population, and dedicated seats for Indigenous peoples may be the key to achieving that goal.