Validity and potential: dual-citizenship and the Indigenous vote in Canada's federal electoral process

• Main Author: Cowie, Chadwick R.J.
• Other Authors: Ladner, Kiera (Political Studies)
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Indigenous; Elections; Voting Behaviour; Participation; Sovereignty; Citizenship; Canadian Politics
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/22226

This thesis seeks to explore the idea of Indigenous participation in Canada’s federal electoral system and whether such involvement can wield positive change to the Canadian/Indigenous relationship. The analysis presented throughout this thesis highlights the development of a tarnished Canadian/Indigenous relationship as well as the debate surrounding the belonging of Indigenous peoples in relation to the Canadian state and their own Indigenous nations. Additionally, this thesis demonstrates that Indigenous peoples voting in Canada’s electoral system do not hinder Indigenous sovereignty, but may heighten its recognition instead, as well as how participation in Canada’s political system may wield influence by Indigenous peoples over Canada’s elected officials. Although potential for Indigenous influence within Canada’s electoral process exists, further research is needed to delve into the subject matter at a deeper level.