First Nations youth assembly told it's important to vote
The importance of voting topped the agenda today at the FSIN Youth Legislative Assembly in Saskatoon.
Activists have been working during this federal election campaign to encourage First Nations people to vote.
Max FineDay is the former president of the University of Saskatchewan Students' Union, and a member of the Sweetgrass First Nation.
"This is a generation that's hungry for change," FineDay said. "They want to see something different. They're not accepting the status quo anymore. They won't allow our communities to not have drinking water. They won't allow mould to be in our homes."
Our vote matters. Our people matter, our priorities matter- Perry Bellegarde, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
To change that, young First Nations people will have to get involved in the political process, FineDay said, "making sure that those people who make the laws understand what's happening in our communities, because oftentimes they don't know."
Kyla Henry from Roseau River, Man., said missing and murdered indigenous women will be the top issue for her when she goes to vote.
The chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Perry Bellegarde, was also at today's gathering.
"Our vote matters. Our people matter, our priorities matter, our issues matter," Bellegarde said.
The event wrapped up earlier today.