As an Indigenous woman in Canada, my vote is sacred. It is a tool for self-determination, a way to honor my ancestors, and a means to fight for a better future for my people. That is precisely why I would never cast my vote for Pierre Poilievre or the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC).
Here’s why—based on facts, history, and the undeniable reality of how the Conservatives have treated Indigenous peoples.
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1. A Party That Denies Indigenous Genocide
Let’s start with the obvious: the CPC has a long history of ignoring or outright denying the harms inflicted on Indigenous peoples.
In 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) declared Canada’s treatment of Indigenous peoples a genocide. The CPC rejected this, with former leader Andrew Scheer refusing to acknowledge it.
Poilievre himself has downplayed the horrors of residential schools, once arguing that they weren’t all bad. Survivors and experts know better: these schools were designed to destroy Indigenous cultures, families, and lives.
Stephen Harper, under whom Poilievre served, fought residential school survivors in court and once claimed Canada had “no history of colonialism.”
If a leader can’t even acknowledge our history, how can we trust him with our future?
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2. Opposition to Indigenous Self-Governance
Indigenous communities have spent decades fighting for the right to govern our own affairs. Poilievre and the CPC have fought against this every step of the way.
The CPC opposed Bill C-92, which gave Indigenous communities control over child welfare services. Why does this matter? Because Indigenous children make up 53.8% of kids in foster care, despite being only 7.7% of the child population.
They opposed Canada’s adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which guarantees Indigenous sovereignty and consent over resource projects.
Poilievre has signaled that he will cut regulations and speed up resource development, which almost always happens on Indigenous lands—without our consent.
This is a pattern: Conservatives want our land and resources, but they don’t want to respect our governance.
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3. Ignoring the Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIWG)
Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than other women in Canada. This is not a small issue—it is a national emergency.
Yet, the CPC has shown little concern:
They voted against protections for Indigenous women. In 2017, Poilievre voted against Bill S-3, which aimed to fix gender discrimination in the Indian Act that stripped Indigenous women of their status.
They opposed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The CPC voted against Bill C-5, which made September 30 a day to honor survivors and victims of residential schools.
They refuse to acknowledge systemic racism in policing. Despite clear evidence that Indigenous women are disproportionately targeted by police violence, Poilievre denies that systemic racism exists.
How can we trust a leader who won’t even recognize the crisis facing Indigenous women?
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4. Choosing Pipelines Over People
The CPC has always prioritized corporate interests over Indigenous rights—especially when it comes to resource extraction.
Poilievre has promised to fast-track pipelines and mines, even when they violate Indigenous land rights.
The CPC has aggressively pushed projects like Trans Mountain Pipeline and Coastal GasLink, despite widespread Indigenous opposition.
Meanwhile, Indigenous communities still suffer from neglect: as of today, 27 Indigenous communities still have long-term boil-water advisories. Where is the urgency for clean drinking water?
Poilievre will bend over backward for oil companies, but he won’t lift a finger for Indigenous communities fighting for basic human rights.
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5. A Party That Stands with Racists
Poilievre’s base includes far-right extremists, conspiracy theorists, and anti-Indigenous groups.
He openly supported the 2022 “Freedom Convoy”, a movement that included white nationalists and anti-Indigenous rhetoric.
He frequently uses dog-whistle language like "taking back Canada" and "freedom," appealing to groups that want to roll back Indigenous rights.
He praises Conservative premiers like Danielle Smith and Scott Moe, both of whom have pushed policies that undermine Indigenous sovereignty.
The CPC may not say it out loud, but their actions make it clear: they are not a safe party for Indigenous peoples.
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6. A History of Cutting Indigenous Supports
When the CPC is in power, Indigenous communities suffer.
Harper cut $60 million in funding for Indigenous organizations, making it harder for communities to advocate for themselves.
The Kelowna Accord, a $5 billion agreement to improve Indigenous health and education, was scrapped by the Harper government.
The CPC has fought Indigenous land claims for decades, delaying justice and compensation.
History tells us that a Conservative government means more cuts, more court battles, and more neglect.
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The Bottom Line: Poilievre Is a Threat to Indigenous Rights
Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party have made it clear: they do not respect Indigenous sovereignty, safety, or survival.
They deny our history.
They fight against our governance.
They ignore the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women.
They prioritize pipelines over people.
They stand with racists.
They cut Indigenous programs and funding whenever they can.
As an Indigenous woman, my vote is my voice. And I will never use it to support a party that has spent decades trying to silence us.
For those who say, “But the Liberals aren’t perfect either,”—you’re right. No party is. But when it comes to who actively harms Indigenous peoples the most, the answer is clear.
Pierre Poilievre is not a leader for Indigenous people. He never has been. And he never will be.
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