The numbers suggest that equitable representation for First Nations in provincial politics is stalled, but some First Nations candidates hope their perspective can breathe new life into provincial politics.
In 2020, 10 Indigenous candidates ran in B.C.’s provincial election.
This fall, 11 Indigenous candidates are vying for seats across 93 ridings — two Conservatives, seven NDP and two Greens.
The numbers suggest that equitable representation for First Nations in provincial politics is stalled, but some First Nations candidates hope their perspective and experience can breathe new life into B.C. politics, even if the institution of government itself has historically not always been welcome to diverse First Nations participation.
Á’a:líya Warbus, conservative candidate in Chilliwack-Cultus Lake, wants to change that. A First Nations member from the Stó:lō Territory and mother of three, Warbus said she is focused on the future of young people and the toxic drug crisis — and said that a conversation with Tory Leader John Rustad convinced her that her perspective would be heard.
“There is a narrative that the legislature is a place for everyone else but us. We need to continue to fight for all voices to be represented in our democracy,” said Warbus.
“I think the needle has slowly moved, and is slowly moving,” said Aaron Sumexheltza, president of the provincial NDP party who ran in the Fraser Nicola 2020 election but didn’t win a seat.
Sumexheltza said he hopes that the election of Wab Kinew as Manitoba’s first Anishinaabe premier will make a difference.
“Wab Kinew has had a positive impact nationwide and shows that Indigenous people can run in politics and be successful,” he said.
Melanie Mark, B.C.’s first First Nations cabinet member, resigned in 2020 and described the government as a colonial institution that “felt like a torture chamber,” and showed that the legislature may not be the most welcoming place for First Nations representatives.
“You are upholding a colonial system that was created to not recognize First Nations rights, title and interest,” said Terry Teegee, elected chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations.
“Being a First Nations person in that system would be quite difficult, and being a First Nations woman is a different matter. In these types of structures and governments there are prevailing issues that have never been properly dealt with. Sexist and misogynist views would be challenging for any woman but if you throw racism in there it becomes much harder.”
Although the conversation changed somewhat with the passing of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) into law in November 2019, Rustad has vowed to repeal the Act if elected.
“There is still work to be done,” said Teegee.
Tamara Davidson, running for the NDP in North Coast Haida Gwaii, said she’s ready to do that work. Davidson has been a federal public servant for 28 years and was a lead negotiator for the Haida land agreement.
“We belong at the table. We belong in government, in business, universities and hospitals,” said Davidson, who believes her experience in relationship building will make a difference. “I believe that as Indigenous people we can bring our culture, our teachings, our respect for others and really make a difference.”
Other First Nations candidates bring experience as elected officials in their own communities.
Murphy Abraham, who is facing off against Rustad in Nechako Lakes, was elected chief for Babine Lake, and Clay Poutney, running for the NDP in Prince George Valemont, is the former chief of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.
Green party spokesperson Jo Jo Beattie said Indigenous leaders are needed in government but successive governments’ Indigenous policy has created a lack of trust.
“Indigenous people need to be in the (legislative) chamber, committees and caucus debates to inform decisions by sharing their experiences and critiquing legislation,” Beattie said.
Historically, however, participation in Canadian institutions has been used as a way of attacking Indigenous rights and denying them their human rights, said Matt James, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Victoria.
Enfranchisement under the Indian Act was federal legislation for terminating a person’s Indian status in exchange for certain “Canadian” rights such as owning land and voting.
“Participation in mainstream politics has been correctly interpreted as assimilatory and extinguishing of Indigeneity,” said James.
The Idle No More movement that emerged in 2012 in response to Prime Minister Harper’s Bill C-45, which diminished the rights and authority of Indigenous communities, was a turning point in Indigenous engagement in provincial and federal politics, said James.
PM Justin Trudeau’s election messaging in 2015 that no relationship was more important to him, and to the country, than the one with Indigenous Peoples raised hopes for transformative action, as did the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but with hindsight, people may be having doubts, said James.
James said First Nations individuals that have participated in, and left, political and cultural institutions in Canada have critically analyzed them and spoken out.
What could move the needle?
“Listen to what they are saying,” said James.