The power of Indigenous peoples has never come from voting in federal elections | Warrior Publications

4.9.15

The power of Indigenous peoples has never come from voting in federal elections | Warrior Publications: Every federal and provincial government that has ever been in power has failed to address any of these urgent social issues, let alone recognize Aboriginal title or Aboriginal and treaty rights. Voting in the oppressor’s regime has, not surprisingly, failed to end oppression. Yet, those in power in Canada would have us believe that our power comes from voting for them — as if they represent our Nations.

This leads to a very important question about power. Where does our power as Indigenous nations to make change come from? Is it federal recognition as “willing partners” or “good Indians,” Indian status cards, voter registration cards, or the election of an MP of your political choice? Surely if this was the source of our power, we really would have died off a long time ago — as was the original policy objective. But if I listen to all the elders, former activists, youth and leaders, I have to conclude that we never would have survived Canada’s elimination and assimilation policies if we did not have a firm commitment to our identities, cultures, and sovereignty as Nations.