Tina House
APTN National News
VANCOUVER – Three Indigenous women launched campaigns Friday for the upcoming civic election in Vancouver.
Audrey Siegl from the Musqueam Indian Band in Vancouver said being on city council will allow her to speak for those less fortunate and help influence change.
Siegl has been a community activist for many years and has volunteered countless hours standing up for issues she believes in.
“I know what its like to be denied opportunities, because of the way that I look. I know what its like to be hunted, I know what its like to be treated as an object,” said Siegl. “I know what its like to look at the politicians – at the list of candidates – when it comes time to vote and not see a single person who represents what I stand for, what my experience here is or where I would like things to go.”
For Diana Day, a Mohawk from Six Nations in Ontario, she wants to be on the Vancouver school board.
“Within the school system I would like to see racism tackled and discrimination,” said Day. “Those are major issues that affect us all in all of our lives and wherever we go. I think that cultural awareness is really important changing the curriculum to include teachings Indigenous teachings.”
Also running is Cease Wyss – for a position on the parks board.
“We have an under representation of our people in places like city council and in places that that can actually affect real changes to improve things for us which improves things for everybody,” said Siegl.
Voters go to the polls Nov. 15.
