Indigenous Vote Breaks Canada's Historical Record in Native MPs

Canada has voted 10 Indigenous people into Parliament following Monday’s elections, marking a historical record achieved by mass Indigenous organizing.

The number, up from seven in 2011, is seen as a political triumph for Canada’s Indigenous peoples, who have long been neglected under Harper’s nine-year Conservative rule.

The record was largely achieved by Indigenous grassroots organizing preceding the elections, which held rallies and vigils to keep the public spotlight on Indigenous issues.

While a record-breaking 54 First Nations candidates ran for office during the elections, the newly-elected now only make up 3 percent of the 338 seats in Canada’s House of Commons.

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Nonetheless, the new political changes also carry with it a political momentum for Indigenous people, who say with renewed confidence they will make sure Canada’s new prime minister, Justin Trudeau, will keep his promises on protecting and improving their rights.

"I hope this shows when we do participate, we do make a difference," Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak said.

"I believe that Mr. Harper, when he was prime minister, awoke a sleeping giant in our people. That giant is awake, and the new Liberal government under Mr. Trudeau is going to have to deal with a giant in the indigenous people of these lands," Nepinak said.

The newly elected Liberal member of parliament Dan Vandal echoed the sentiment that Canada has woken up to a new political landscape where Indigenous are increasingly a force to be reckoned with.

“First Nations issues will now come to the forefront in the House of Commons,” he said. “Whether it’s murdered and missing indigenous women or education on reserves, a resolution for Metis land claim issues, we’re going to get a higher profile and hopefully a resolution of those issues. My role is going to be to speak loudly for the people of my community.”