Narration (defending.mp3, 879 KB)

It is only in 1960 that native people were allowed to vote in Canada, which is 20 years after the womens' right to vote and 5 years before the Afro-Americans' right in the USA.

Social changes always come very slowly within a civilization. When looking back, we are forced to notice that the political situation of native people has nevertheless evolved. In the past 30 years Canadian and Quebec First nations' political structures changed gradually. But, a major part of the non-native population, in majority on the territory, is still not aware of the difficulties faced by natives to get recognition of their political status.

A lot remains to be done in order to get equality between native and non-native nations. But citizens of First Nations are more than ever determined to be heard. Today, armed with credible ancestral treaties and the human and liberty rights Charter, natives use legal tools and international representation, such as the U.N. to make their voices heard.

Democracy is not perfect; it is a skill that needs to be developed. Individuals living in the same communities also want to be heard. They do not always accept decisions made by their leaders. The right to speak is taken; decisions are made in a more transparent way and. this is how free and strong Nations build themselves.