Tsuut'ina Nation hosts first all-candidates debate

For the first time ever, the Tsuut'ina Nation played host to a federal all-candidates meeting on Friday morning, with four of the six candidates in the riding showing up. 

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Kevin Littlelight, who speaks for the nation, said the environment and justice are key issues at the reserve. But he said an even bigger concern is the need for a public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.

"It's huge," he said. "You know that a lot of law enforcement don't take us serious enough to investigate, and that's what we're going to change in the future."

Although aboriginal people have traditionally been reluctant to vote in federal elections, Littlelight said there seems to be more interest this time around.

"One of the major issues is the election itself and getting aboriginals to vote," he said.

That's why a concerned group from Tsuut'ina organized the debate, which was attended by about two dozen people.

More engagement

Green Party candidate Romy Tittel said she's noticed more First Nations people engaging in this election. 

"I fully understand and respect why they haven't voted in federal elections before, because they don't want to validate it in that act," she said. "But in this year, it's the most important thing for the First Nations to get out and vote."

The candidates at the debate were Liberal Tanya MacPherson, New Democrat Alison Thompson, Marc Slingerland of the Christian Heritage Party and Tittel.

Conservative John Barlow sent word that he had to attend a funeral. 

Cory Morgan of the Libertarian Party also missed the forum.