Elections Canada says 40% of people in Indigenous communities voted federally in 2025

Elections Canada reported that over 40% of registered voters in Indigenous communities participated in the federal election of 2025, marking the highest voter turnout in that category. The Yukon recorded the highest participation at 61.9%, while Quebec had the lowest at 21.1%. Nationally, approximately 70% of registered voters cast their ballots.

Indigenous Canadians generally have lower voting rates compared to others, stemming from historical mistrust and tensions with the federal government. Before 1960, First Nations individuals had to relinquish their Indian status to vote, leaving lasting impressions. Some remain wary of voting, viewing it as conflicting with their unique treaties with the Crown.

Elections Canada collaborated with communities to improve voter access, but challenges persisted. For instance, a shortage of staff in Nunavik led to early closures of polling stations. The agency's new report identified polling divisions corresponding to Indigenous communities but acknowledged potential misses of urban residents.

The data, which doesn't identify individual voters and may include non-Indigenous residents, showed that 30.2% of Inuit, 42.1% of First Nations, and 50.9% of Métis voters participated in the 2025 election. However, the methodology changed since previous years, so direct comparisons aren't possible. Jennifer Laewetz, CEO of Paskwâw Strategies, emphasized the need for Ottawa to address the disconnect Indigenous voters feel from political processes, suggesting candidates engage more with these communities through channels beyond major events.

While Indigenous MPs offer representation, Laewetz argued they fail to connect with grassroots communities.