We need people, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, to reconsider their positions. If they do not vote they will be helping the wealthy corporations and the BC Liberals!
We need you more than ever!
The Media
The media (television, newspapers and radio) are owned by those very wealthy corporations who are supporting the BC Liberals. How do we battle this? It is a huge barrier. We do not have the financial resources to compete with their propaganda machine. Despite our own limited communication efforts we have been virtually silent on challenging mainstream media in their Aboriginal and poor bashing which happens so frequently that it has become normalized.
“Special Rights”
As Aboriginal Peoples we have “Special Rights” as owners of the land. We also have responsibilities that comes with those rights.
It does not matter if you are an extreme Sovereigntist or totally non-political. One thing is true, we all have to help our own people. We have lost so many people to violence, suicide, HIV/AIDS, homicide and so forth.
If the BC Liberals get elected, they will not help us to reduce the pain. In fact, they will try to make us the same as all other British Columbians.
We intend to uphold our Rights and Responsibilities and fight for all of our people (First Nations, Métis and Non-Status). We need you to do the same.
If you won’t do it for yourself, will you do it for your children?
If you are homeless and want to vote, then contact Elections bc to find out how.
For further information please contact:
1-604-974-0991 EXT 7380
voicemail / fax
e-mail:
OR
Elections BC
TTY: 1-888-456-5448
WEBSITE: http://www.elections.bc.ca
Media Contact:
Glen Campbell (604) 255-0704 or (604) 644-0248
Printed by the Aboriginal Political Action Committee (A.P.A.C.) Volunteers
Who We Are
“Natives Doing Politics” is a group of Aboriginal Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Non-Status Indians) who are committed to fighting for our People, and our issues. We are not funded by any political party. All our work is voluntary.
What We Do (Objectives)
We are trying to get as many Aboriginal People, especially our youth (age 18 – 30) to learn about the political parties and to get out and vote in the upcoming provincial election
We are trying to find ways to challenge mainstream media (television, radio and newspapers) to tell the truth
Where Are We
Our group is primarily in the Lower Mainland (urban Aboriginals) and we come from many Nations, from all over British Columbia as well as other parts of Canada.
When We Came Together
We care about our People. We know that the Aboriginal vote can make a huge difference in the election if our people cast their votes in the upcoming election. The only way we can do this is if everyone shares this message with friends and family. We have many Non-Aboriginal supporters who will help us as well.
Problem Areas
Too many of our People do not vote because they believe that their vote does not matter. This is far from the truth. Most political parties, particularly the Provincial Liberals, in fact, do not want you to vote.
Are you aware that your vote actually counts twice if you have never voted in the Provincial elections? This is because you are not showing up anywhere in their surveys. Almost 30% of eligible BC voters did not vote in the last election (mostly our people). Your vote counts twice if you vote for the New Democratic Party (NDP) because:
1. You are a first time voter
2. because you vote against the Liberals
If you have not voted before, this is the one election where our vote can make a difference
Who Do You Vote For?
There are so many political parties in this election. Most of those leaders and parties are more concerned about their ideas and not our poverty. There are three other parties that will say that they are our friends (All Nations Party, Marijuana Party and the Green Party) but do they have our interests at heart? Some of their ideas may be OK but they are taking votes away from the NDP and as a result, our votes for them are helping the Liberals (the rich). Furthermore, these fringe parties don’t have a chance of winning and they know it!
We are asking those fringe parties and their candidates to do the right thing and withdraw from the election. If they really cared about Aboriginal and poor people, they should forget about their personal egos and support us by supporting the NDP.
Some people who voted before are not going to vote in this election. Many of these people are NDP supporters. The NDP knew they made mistakes and they admitted it. They elected a new leader, Ujjal Dosanjh, and they changed their direction. The Party is now refocusing issues of creating a healthy, liveable communities