Nahanni Fontaine seeks Manitoba NDP nomination in St. Johns
Fontaine works to raise awareness about missing and murdered indigenous girls and women
Nahanni Fontaine is seeking the New Democratic Party nomination in Winnipeg's St. Johns constituency, following Gord Mackintosh's decision to bow out of the upcoming election.
- Manitoba Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh won't seek re-election
- Several candidates step up to replace Gord Mackintosh in St. Johns
Fontaine said she was thrilled with the turnout.
"It really does humble me. Usually I'm on the other side. I'm usually the one that is doing all the work ... supporting families, supporting women and supporting children. So it's a little bit strange to be on the other side."
Tyler Pearce, director of communications for the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Aaron McDowell, assistant to Ross Eadie, Mynarski ward city councillor, have also said they are interested in running for the nomination.
Longtime activist
Fontaine, the Manitoba government special advisor on aboriginal women's issues, advocates for indigenous girls and women who have been targets of violence in Manitoba and throughout Canada, says a new release issued on Friday. She's also the former Southern Chiefs Organization director of justice.
She also has co-ordinated support for Manitoba families who have lost loved ones to violence.
Fontaine was one of five women awarded the Governor-General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case in 2013.
"It is important to elect strong social justice advocates to continue the legacy and work of Gord Mackintosh and many others like him who believe passionately in protecting our most vulnerable," Fontaine said in the news release.
Fontaine serves as a member of the Winnipeg Police Advisory Board, Canadian Race Relations Foundation and the United Nations Working Group on the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
More indigenous candidates 'a beautiful thing'
Fontaine's intentions come on the heels of Wab Kinew's announcement that he will carry the banner for the NDP in Fort Rouge.
Althea Guiboche, widely known as "The Bannock Lady" is running for the Liberals in Point Douglas,
- Wab Kinew to run for NDP in Manitoba election
- 'Bannock Lady' Althea Guiboche to run for Liberals in Winnipeg
Fontaine said she's pleased to see more indigenous people are stepping up to run in politics.
"I think that is first of all a beautiful thing. I think it's a reflection of where we are in the province in respect of recognizing the roll that indigenous people have to play in provincial politics."
Manitoba's 41st provincial election is scheduled for April 19.