In the quiet streets of the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, just across the river from Montreal, various signs dot the landscape. Some bear messages like “Every Child Matters” or “This is Mohawk Land,” while others feature the local language of Kanien’kéha. Notably absent, however, are any election campaign posters or signs as Quebec’s general election approaches.
Grand Chief Cody Diabo of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake stated that the community actively chooses not to partake in the elections, emphasizing a desire to remain uninvolved. Any attempt to display election signs is promptly met with removal, as shown in a recent video where a Parti Québécois leader’s sign was taken down using a sledgehammer.
Over the past two decades, data reveals a significant disengagement of Kahnawake and many other Indigenous communities in Quebec from provincial elections. Voter turnout in these communities has been notably low, with only a fraction participating compared to the province-wide average.
Despite efforts to make voting accessible, voter turnout remains minimal in communities like Kahnawake, where most residents prefer to abstain from provincial and federal elections. The principle of the Two Row Wampum guides their stance, advocating for mutual respect and non-interference with the Quebec and Canadian governments.
While some Indigenous politicians have ventured into Quebec politics, like former representative Alexis Wawanoloath, who faced mixed reactions within First Nations communities, many Indigenous individuals opt to abstain from participating in elections. However, there is a growing call for Indigenous voices to be heard through the act of voting.
