b'PREPARING FOR ELECTIONScandidates are representing. I think thatself-determining, which includes being Indigenous women and people gener- self-governing.ally should vote for the person that is most reflective of their values and theirWilson-Raybould, like many involved in principles, and that has the same ideaspublic life, has had to make many sacri-and wants to accomplish the same goals,fices for her work. Whether its Indigenous she says. She also advises taking politicalor mainstream politics, its the family, she promises with a grain of salt: just becausesays, that often suffers, and being unable a party says theyre going to accomplishto spend time with her community has something on their platform, doesntbeen a challenge. I think that politics necessarily mean thats what theyre goingtakes a toll on people because you go from to do. She urges voters to look beyonda place of warmth and comfort and love parties to focus on the individuals runningin your communities to a place that is the for them. The way I vote is I learn aboutexact opposite of that. And if youre not the actual individuals who are runningstrong and rooted in your communityin the riding that I live in, and I vote onwhich Im grateful that I amgoing to the individual. I dont vote on party, shethat other place that doesnt share the explains. But you have to learn and yousame sort of nurturing reality is something have to get educated about what peoplethat can really damage your soul if you stand for.let it.There have been many calls for justiceBut Wilson-Raybould also believes that it is and calls to action, the vast majority ofessential we have more Indigenous women which have not been implemented to anyinvolved in politics: Why? Because we great degree, says Wilson-Raybould. Thisneed to actually get back to balance. And includes justice for Missing and Murderedwe need to get back to those places and Indigenous Women and Girls, taking overthose spaces that we were in as Indigenous jurisdiction of children and families andwomen before the advent of the Indian Act.From left to right: ONWA CEO Cora ensuring that the overrepresentation ofBut just generally, in our families, in ourMcGuire-Cyrette, Jody Wilson-Indigenous women in the justice systemcommunities, we need to have balance.Raybould and Roshan Danesh.is reduced. But for me, all of theseWilson-Raybould hopes Indigenous issues are issues not just for Indigenouswomen still find ways to get involved,advises. Again, if somebody appeals women, in particular, but for us aswhether they run for office directly orto you, have a further conversation Indigenous people, Wilson-Raybouldnot. People that want elected office needwith them. Go door knockingits the emphasizes. Specifically, we need tovolunteers. Go out to an all-candidatesgreatest way to understand people in be enabled beyond the Indian Act to beforum, listen to what theyre saying, sheyour community. What is the meaning of | Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin?Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin is the Tikinagan service model. In Ojibway/Oji-Cree, Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin means, Everyone working together to raise our children. It is a system of protecting and caring for children and supporting families that has been designed and is delivered by First Nations people in our 30 communities.TIKINAGAN.ORG16Fall/Winter 2024'