First Nations Voice

PAGE 4 • MARCH 2017 Chief Ron Evans Norway House Cree Nation Representation Many Canadians say a change is badly needed in how governments are elected, especially our Federal Gov- ernment. The problem they say is that our government, at best, is elected by a minority of voters – normally by less than half the voters leaving the rest 'unrepresented'. More trouble- some, it's said, is that almost no one in the country actually elects the Prime Minister. This privilege rests only with those who live in the Prime Minister's riding. We're told that there is no appetite or no probable consensus to carry on the discussion of electoral reform and proportional representation and so the discussion has come to an end. This is truly unfortunate. It is now that we need to be serious about representation because now we find more people are becoming disillu- sioned and feeling disconnected from government. Complicating the matter, it looks like representation has also been tak- ing on a new meaning. At one time, representation meant that you gave someone the job or responsibility to voice your concerns in the local, pro- vincial or national meeting place. For a long time now we haven't sent our representatives to Ottawa, rather The Liberals, Conservatives, the NDP and others have sent sales people (Candi- dates) to us to get approval for their platform and to vote to give them a mandate. It has very little, if anything at all, to do with representing the interests and concerns of people. Of course all of this makes sense when we see non-representative gov- ernment at work every day. The rest of us who have concerns are relegated to what some call the 'politics of com- plaint'. Endless groups throughout the country representing one cause or an- other are busy presenting complaints through the press, or through social media or through street demonstra- tion. This seems to be less than ideal. Everyday politics cannot be simply a matter of complaint raised to those who hold power with a minority of support. When was the last time you felt your interests have been truly represented? For First Nations, representation has always been a challenge. We have never had true representation in the national arena. From time-to-time we have had Members of Parliament who hail from indigenous communities, traditions or backgrounds, but they have represented their party or gov- ernment policies and not necessarily the indigenous community. This gap in representation needs to be filled. We should look to places like New Zealand where they ensure Maori participation, representation and input. As the true founding people's of this continent, and as key partners in the future growth and development of Canada, we need to seriously discuss real First Nations representation. Indigenous people make up nearly 5% of the total Canadian population and by this count there should be 15 seats assigned to First Nation's Members of Parliament so that finally our voice can be heard. Let's make representation real, practical and lets move this country and our relationship forward. As the true founding people's of this con- tinent, and as key partners in the future growth and develop- ment of Canada, we need to seriously discuss real First Na- tions representation. Indigenous people make up nearly 5% of the total Cana- dian population and by this count there should be 15 seats assigned to First Nation's Members of Parliament so that finally our voice can be heard. " "

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