2015 Federal Election message from the NTC President and Vice-President
The 2015 Federal Election in Canada may go down as one of the most important elections in Canadian history.
Your vote matters. Exercise your right and vote on October 19, 2015.
“Our people were not “granted” the right to vote in British Columbia until 1949,” said Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Vice President Ken Watts. “First Nations (Indian) people were not granted the right to vote in Canada’s Federal Elections until as recently as 1960. Previously, First Nations voters had to give up their “Indian Status” to become Canadian citizens to vote in Federal Elections.”
It is so important to exercise that right, that Watts, along with NTC President Debra Foxcroft, have committed to drive Nuu-chah-nulth people to the polls on Election Day in Port Alberni.
“Many of our people and leaders from our communities fought for the right to vote so we could have a say in our future and what happens in this province and country,” said President Foxcroft. “Because of their efforts, it is now our right to vote, so exercise that vote in this year’s Federal Election, scheduled for October 19, 2015.”
According to Elections Canada, only 44.8 per cent of First Nations people living at home (on-reserve) voted in the 2011 Federal Election, as opposed to 61 per cent of the general population in Canada.
So Foxcroft and Watts are urging Nuu-chah-nulth people to become engaged, educate themselves about Nuu-chah-nulth issues and those that affect all Canadians, and get out and vote. It is your right to do so.
A CBC news story dated Aug. 6 provides a good start for those interested in learning more about the federal parties and what they offer Indigenous voters. Read it at http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/an-indigenous-guide-to-the-2015-federal-election-1.3179421
Foxcroft and Watts believe strongly that Nuu-chah-nulth-aht can have a substantial influence on the outcome of the election in our Vancouver Island ridings, so they have volunteered to drive eligible voters to the polls in Port Alberni on Election Day October 19, and will also be available to drive Nuu-chah-nulth voters to the advanced polls in Port Alberni (Oct. 9, Deb only, and Oct. 10 and Oct. 11, both Deb and Ken, but excluding Oct. 12).
If you require a ride in Port Alberni, please contact Deb (250-720-5336) or Ken (250-731-7218) on Election Day.
For voting information about such things as how to register, what ID is required to vote, and how to vote, check out the Elections Canada website at: http://www.elections.ca/home.aspx
This site includes information for first-time voters and students, accessible voting and Frequently Asked Questions.
Make the decision to become involved and use your election muscle on October 19. And watch for more on the 2015 Federal Election from the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council over the coming months.
