Lack of engagement on indigenous issues this election – Winnipeg Free Press

October 3, 2015

Aboriginals watch from the sidelines in this election campaign, but there are many issues affecting them

The potential impact of getting out the aboriginal vote has been discussed a great deal this election. Yet, as one aboriginal activist says, in urban centres such as Winnipeg, none of the parties has done much to entice them to get involved in the campaign.

“You see so many articles that say First Nations have the opportunity to swing ridings, but when you don’t talk about indigenous issues, I just find it frustrating,” Lenard Monkman said. “News agencies point out that we need to get out and vote, and the parties aren’t saying anything with any type of legitimacy.”

The Assembly of First Nations, which is a body of more than 600 chiefs from across Canada, is frustrated with the lack of attention on First Nations issues.

Read More: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/special/federal-election/lack-of-engagement-330506291.html