[ARCHIVE GATINEAU] The Rights of Aboriginal Peoples in this Election

This election, we hear that aboriginal people either aren't voting, or voting very little. Why, some ask, don't aboriginal people vote?

Of course, to arrive at an answer, we should ask a different question. We should ask why aboriginal people would even be interested in voting, when they have so often been pushed aside, dispossessed of their lands, and pushed into reservations.

It is urgent that we remedy these historical grievances. A good first step was taken with the /Paix des Braves/ in 2002, a pathbreaking accord between the Cree Nation and the government of Quebec. But why should we wait for our governments to do more, and treat aboriginal people as proper citizens?

Quebec Solidaire, a new progressive voice in Quebec politics, recognizes the self-determination and inalienable rights of aboriginal peoples, and will assure a proper « nation to nation » relationship between Quebec and the eleven first nations within its borders.

We support, by means of negotiations between nations, aboriginal access to the land and resources required for proper self-government. We also support efforts by first nations to improve their living conditions.