Young First Nation advocates in northwestern Ontario call out candidates’ silence on Indigenous issues [Video]

With tariffs and the trade war between Canada and the U.S. dominating much of the federal election, First Nation advocates in northwestern Ontario are questioning why they haven’t heard much from the candidates on Indigenous issues.

For 18-year-old Siigwan McKay, who met former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Thunder Bay last year, she says the silence speaks volumes. She has been a strong advocate for youth mental health support in First Nations.

“We need legitimate reconciliation, like the building back of relationships. I haven’t seen [any] leaders of the [parties] go into Indigenous communities and try to meet with the people there — to see how life is on the reserves,” said McKay, who is a member of Bearskin Lake First Nation.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Kris Moore, a member of Fort Severn First Nation, said “I haven’t been hearing a single thing,” when it comes to Indigenous issues on the campaign trail.

LISTEN | Siigwan McKay/Kris Moore: First Nations Youth Panel The …