I’m a proud Anishinaabe who asserts my Indigenous sovereignty. That’s why I won’t vote

Growing up on Treaty Six Territory on Poundmaker Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, my mother taught me an important lesson at the young age of 13. She made it clear to me that we are not Canadian – we are Anishinaabe. This realization shaped my identity and influenced my decision not to participate in the colonial political system or vote in federal elections.

I vividly remember the moment in my school gymnasium when the national anthem, “Oh Canada,” began to play. As my classmates stood up to sing, my mother tugged at my sleeve, urging me to sit down. She boldly declared that we do not stand for a song that does not belong to us. Despite the stares and whispers from those around us, I felt a sense of pride in my heritage as an Anishinaabe.

Throughout my upbringing, my mother instilled in me the importance of standing in our power as Indigenous people. She emphasized that we do not need to participate in Canadian elections if we do not identify as Canadian. This belief was further reinforced during my university years, political meetings with Members of Parliament, and even encounters with former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Despite the challenges and criticisms I faced for my refusal to comply with colonial systems, I remained steadfast in asserting my sovereignty as an Anishinaabe. I advocated for basic human rights for my people, such as clean drinking water, social solutions for suicide epidemics, and community-based programming that nurtured kinship-based living.

As questions arose about my stance on taxation, Canadian passport, and use of federal government services, I clarified that my adherence to certain policies was a result of living under the rules imposed by the Canadian government. However, I maintained that my sovereignty as an Indigenous person was not diminished by these circumstances.

I believe that Indigenous peoples granted the Crown permission to govern its own people through treaties, but did not relinquish our own sovereignty. Therefore, I choose not to become a member of another nation’s political system. While some Indigenous individuals may choose to vote, I am resolute in my decision to resist colonial attempts at assimilation through voting.

The words of my late mother continue to guide me, reminding me of the importance of preserving our identity as Anishinaabe. Her unwavering commitment to our sovereignty and rights inspires me to carry on the fight for justice and equality for our people.

In honor of my mother’s legacy, I will continue to stand proudly as an Anishinaabe, refusing to conform to a political system that seeks to oppress us. My hope is that future generations will embrace their heritage and uphold the sovereignty of our Indigenous nations, just as my mother taught me to do.