Why I Vote: Jennifer Dawn Bishop
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As part of our coverage of the 2015 Federal Election, we are asking Indigenous people in this province to tell us “Why I Vote.” These are the unedited words from our interviewees. You can find more in our
Interviews section
.
Jennifer Dawn Bishop,
30
Did you vote in the last federal
election?
Yes.
What is the most important issue
to you in this election?
It would have to be a mix, defiantly the lack
of job opportunities for all young people. And it’s hard for those young people
to try and get work, and I feel bad for them because they are denied the
opportunity to develop good work ethic and preparing them for what comes next
after High School. And of course affordable housing, and though there is some
good initiatives that help with that. I personally think it’s not enough, rent
and housing are ridiculous these days. Now these days most people have to work
two or three jobs just to pay the bills and eat. When I was younger and on my
own I was able to live in a nice building for under $500, now most 1 bedrooms
costs over $800. How can anyone pay for that if no one is giving the chance to
work and for a decent wage. And like anyone else equality, and that’s pretty
self explanatory in it’s self.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to vote?
For me I think it’s
important, and I hope to only encourage other indigenous people to vote as
well. My mother always made sure when I was old enough that I would vote.
And at that age back then I never wanted too, because my state of attitude was
I didn’t care about politics at all and that I had nothing to do with it, and I
thought who cares if I vote? It won’t make a difference. But my mom told me
it’s our right to vote, and it’s something that can never be taken away from
us. Each vote makes a difference and can impact us all. I never really understood
it but as I got older I can see changes happening to all of us and even though
I still can’t stand politics, I understand the importance of my vote, that if
us as indigenous people want true change and for our voices to be heard, we
need to come together as a community and family. We matter, our vote matters.
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