AMC and Elections Manitoba Introduce Groundbreaking Declaration of First Nation Guarantor for Proof of Identity Voters Form
September 13, 2023
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) proudly announces its collaboration with Elections Manitoba to champion the democratic spirit and encourage full participation in the 43rd Manitoba General Election set for October 3, 2023. To address the hurdles confronting certain First Nation voters who lack the required identification, the AMC and Elections Manitoba have introduced the Declaration of First Nation Guarantor for Proof of Identity voters form. This unique form is designed to simplify the process for First Nation voters who may face difficulties when exercising their essential democratic rights.
The Declaration of First Nation Guarantor for Proof of Identity voters form stands as a testament to the AMC and Elections Manitoba’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and representation within the electoral system. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to guarantee that all First Nation individuals can cast their votes on October 3, 2023, and in all subsequent Manitoba Elections, regardless of their access to traditional identification documents.
“This initiative embodies reconciliation and signifies a major milestone in our pursuit of democratic inclusivity for First Nations,” shared AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. “The challenges First Nations face in obtaining proper identification are rooted in the lasting effects of colonization, which continue to deeply fragment our families and involve our communities in systemic complexities. These factors complicate the path towards obtaining proper identification, underlining the need for supportive measures that empower and uplift our people, instead of leaving them out.”
This collaborative endeavour underscores the significance of the participation of every eligible voter in shaping the future of Manitoba. By removing entry barriers for First Nation citizens, we take a substantial step towards a more equitable and inclusive electoral process. We firmly believe that every voice matters, and this new form is an indispensable tool in realizing this objective.
Elections Manitoba CEO, Shipra Verma added, “Our collaboration with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs exemplifies our shared commitment to the principles of democracy and free and fair access to the electoral process. We are pleased to provide this new tool to facilitate voting for First Nation voters and eliminate barriers to participation in Manitoba’s democratic process.”
The Declaration of First Nation Guarantor for Proof of Identity voters form is now available through Elections Manitoba and can be accessed by visiting their webpage https://www.electionsmanitoba.ca/en/Voting/IDRequirements. It is also available on our AMC webpage https://manitobachiefs.com/home/mb-elections-2023/ .
First Nation citizens are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their voices are heard in the upcoming 43rd Manitoba General Election on October 3, 2023.
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 151,000 First Nation citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anishininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) peoples.