In the community of Brochet, Manitoba, there exists a discriminatory practice that prevents off-reserve members from participating in voting for community leadership. This not only denies these members their rights but also unfairly hinders them from contributing to decisions that affect their lives and community.

Currently, there is only one voting poll on the reserve to vote for leadership elections. This system marginalizes a significant portion of the community who, due to various personal and economic reasons, live off the reserve and yet maintain strong ties to their cultural and familial roots. There should be either, mail in ballots, or other voting stations in Thompson Manitoba and Winnipeg Manitoba. This failure to provide voting ability to off reserve members undermines the democratic principle of fair representation. Realistically, many off reserve member cannot make the trip to Brochet Manitoba, preventing a fair and accurate representation of community decisions.

Statistics indicate that a substantial number of community members live off-reserve. To be exact, 744 live off reserve, and 545 live on reserve, their exclusion from the voting process leads to decisions that might not fully reflect the community’s needs and aspirations. The lack of off reserve voting ability inadvertently creates a divide, breeding resentment and a sense of alienation among off-reserve members. This 2026 election only included 250 votes, which is a substantial misrepresentation of Barren lands first nation members.

To address this injustice, it is crucial to amend the current electoral policies to provide off-reserve members with the opportunity to participate in the voting process. Such a change would ensure that all voices are heard, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community environment where every member, regardless of their place of residence, can exercise their right to vote.

It is essential that the leaders of Brochet take immediate action to provide off reserve members with the opportunity to vote. By allowing off-reserve members to vote, they will be empowering every member of the community and enhancing the democratic process.

Join us in calling upon the community leaders of Brochet to amend the voting policy and ensure that all members have a say in the governance of their community. Please sign this petition to support a more just and inclusive voting system for Brochet, Manitoba.

Once a sufficient number of signatures are achieved, the petition will be presented to the election committee well before the 2028 election. Hopefully, this petition will allow the Barren lands election committee to follow the appropriate steps to expand the voting process with either, mail in ballots (Just as Wollaston Lake and Lac Brochet do), or other voting stations in Thompson Manitoba, and Winnipeg Manitoba.


Addendum: (Added after initial circulation)

The following provides additional legal and policy context supporting the petition above. It does not change the original request, but strengthens the rationale.

FORMAL PETITION
Barren Lands First Nation – Voting Rights of Off-Reserve Members

 
To:
Duly appointed Election Committee

 
Petition of the Undersigned Members
 
WHEREAS:
Barren Lands First Nation has an obligation to conduct elections in a manner that is fair, transparent, and inclusive of all eligible members;
A significant number of registered members reside off-reserve and are entitled to participate in the governance and decision-making processes of the Nation;
Current or recent election procedures have failed to provide adequate and accessible means for off-reserve members to vote, including the absence or insufficiency of mail-in ballots, electronic voting options, or other reasonable accommodations;
The Supreme Court of Canada in Corbiere v. Canada affirmed that denying off-reserve members meaningful participation in band governance is discriminatory and contrary to principles of equality;
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as affirmed by Canada, recognizes: The right of Indigenous peoples to participate in decision-making in matters affecting their rights (Article 18);
The right to maintain and strengthen their political and governance institutions (Article 5);
Any election process that excludes or unreasonably restricts off-reserve members undermines the legitimacy, integrity, and lawfulness of that election;
 
THEREFORE, the undersigned respectfully but firmly petition that:
Immediate Measures:
Barren Lands First Nation votes on amending the election code to provide accessible voting mechanisms for off-reserve members, including but not limited to secure mail-in ballots and/or verified electronic voting systems;
Equal Treatment:
Voting procedures, verification processes, and ballot access be applied equally to all members, regardless of residency;
Review and Amendment:
A formal, transparent review of the current Election Code be undertaken, with amendments to ensure compliance with: The principles established in Corbiere v. Canada;
The standards set out in UNDRIP;
Interim Safeguards:
Pending such amendments, no election can be conducted until Brochet has voted on amending the election code to provide accessible voting for off-reserve members.

DECLARATION
We, the undersigned, affirm that this petition is made in good faith, in the interest of fairness, equality, and the protection of the democratic rights of all members of Barren Lands First Nation.