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Grand Chief Stewart Phillip believes there has been a political awakening among aboriginals. And the influential head of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs hopes that when the votes are counted in October, aboriginals will have played a key role in kicking the Conservatives from power.

The Assembly of First Nations has argued in recent weeks that if indigenous voters turn out en masse in October, they could influence the results in as many as 51 federal ridings. If so, amid early predictions of a minority government, those voters could play a significant role in deciding which party takes power.

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High aboriginal turnout would normally seem far-fetched. But Phillip and others argue indigenous voters are more motivated now than ever, thanks to their perceptions of how the Conservative government has treated them.

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“This in all likelihood is the most important federal election in a very, very long time,” Phillip says. “And in that regard, I would hope First Nations people realize that, and know and understand how important it is to exercise their right to register a vote for the party of their choice.”