Information for Aboriginal Voters
Since 1990, Elections Canada has implemented several initiatives to make the federal electoral process more welcoming and accessible to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit electors. The Chief Electoral Officer consults and maintains regular contact with representatives of national and regional Aboriginal organizations. With the goal that Aboriginal electors equip themselves with information on exercising their right to vote, Elections Canada has developed the following tools.
- Communications Material
- Research and Consultation
- Election Activities
- Outreach Initiatives Between Elections
- Links to National Aboriginal Organizations
- Other Links
- Historical Facts
Communications Material
- Voter Information Guide, newsletter and other material (available in 11 of the most spoken Aboriginal languages)
- Resources for teachers: Choosing Our Mascot (for ages 5 to 10 election simulation kit)
- Seekers "Take a Stand! Make a Difference!" (DVD)
Research, Consultation and Publications
(concerning Aboriginal participation in Canadian federal elections)- "First Nations Voter Turnout" article
in AFN Echo (PDF format)
- Talking circle on Aboriginal Participation in Federal Elections, Vancouver, B.C. (January 26, 2006)
- Compilation of Electoral
Insight: Aboriginal and Youth Participation in Federal Elections (September 2005, PDF format)
- Speech
by the Chief Electoral Officer: First
Nations University of Canada, Saskatoon Campus First Nations
Participation in Federal Elections (April 1, 2005)
- Roundtable
on Aboriginal Youth and the Federal Electoral Process –
Carleton University (January 17, 2004)
- Research
report: Aboriginal People and the Federal Electoral Process: Participation
Trends and Elections Canada's Initiatives (January 2004)
- Special
issue of Electoral Insight: Aboriginal Participation in Elections (November 2003)
- Leonard Marchand: The First Status Indian Elected to Canada's Parliament (Electoral Insight – June 2000)
- Presentation of the Chief Electoral Officer to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, Northern Development and Natural Resources (January 28, 2003)
Election Activities
- Community Relations Officer Program
- Aboriginal Elder and Youth Program (AEYP)
- AEYP Questionnaire
- List of Registered Political Parties and Parties Eligible for Registration
- Partnerships with Aboriginal Organizations During the 2006 General Election
- Poll Initiatives in Aboriginal Communities
- Joint Public Service Announcement aired on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network during the 2006 general election, featuring Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Phil Fontaine and Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Jean-Pierre Kingsley
- Joint message sent to Aboriginal electors during the 2006 general election from AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine and Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Jean-Pierre Kingsley (PDF format)
- Joint message sent to Aboriginal electors during the 2006 general election from National Association of Friendship Centres President Vera Pawis Tabobondung and Chief Electoral Officer of Canada, Jean-Pierre Kingsley
Outreach Initiatives Between Elections
Elections Canada pursues outreach activities on an ongoing basis. While some occur during election periods, others are undertaken between elections. Click here for outreach initiatives for Aboriginal peoples.
Links to National Aboriginal Organizations
(in alphabetical order)- Assembly of First Nations
- Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
- Métis National Council
- National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
- National Association of Friendship Centres
- Native Women's Association of Canada
Historical Facts
- List of MPs and Senators of Inuit, Métis or First Nation Origin – Current list as well as from 1867 to date (Parliamentary Web site)