To: Indigenous youth leaders, organizations and Youth across Canada
Re: Engaging in the upcoming federal election
Given the challenges unfolding across Canada and beyond, you may feel overwhelmed or even hopeless. You may be wondering what you can do to help. You might be worried about your future and those close to you. Now, more than ever, we must unite across communities to build a strong, progressive movement leading up to Canada’s federal election. You can have an impact!
We acknowledge that elections can be especially problematic for youth and Indigenous people. The colonial foundations of the government system continue to marginalize our communities. There are many ways to effect change, such as through grassroots mutual aid networks, learning about the different party platforms, attending all candidates’ meetings, and mobilizing people to get out and vote. While voting is not the only tool at our disposal, it is a critical one with far-reaching consequences.
If you are a leader working in an organization that has charity status, check out
this webinar for guidelines on what you are allowed to do and what to avoid. Please share this letter widely with organizations that you support and with friends and allies.
Check out the work of Apathy is Boring to learn more about the elections, how to get engaged and how to mobilize your friends.
“As an Indigenous activist, I found these tools to be very helpful and I feel more empowered to act” – Marlene Hale
“Charitable organizations are allowed to engage in political activities during elections. There are certain rules that you must follow. Engaging in elections is an excellent way to further your mission and to mobilize your stakeholders.” – Marlo Turner Ritchie
You can have an impact on the future that we create for ourselves and for generations to come. Now is the time to step up, educate ourselves and our allies, and mobilize.
This is our decision. This is our future.
With hope and determination,
Marlene Hale (she/her/elle)
Chef, Activist, Indigenous Woman, FilmmakerContact: [email protected]
Marlo Turner Ritchie (she/her/elle)
Mother, Activist, Founder and Principal Consultant
Social Impact Consulting / Conseil impact social
Contact: [email protected]