Will more aboriginal voters head to the polls?

To vote or not to vote?

Aboriginal people in Canadahavehistorically been less likely to vote in federal elections, with a turnout of just46.4 per cent in the 2011 election.

This year, though, there are signs thatnumber could be on the rise. Here's a look at some initiatives that could lead to a higher aboriginal voter turnout.

Polling stations on reserves

Elections Canada is in discussion with First Nations around Saskatchewan to have morepolling stations located on reserves. Last election there were 210 on-reserve polls

Marie-France Kenny with Elections Canada saidthey are still discussing the option with bandsthis year and won't know the final numbers until the election. However, in the Regina-Qu'Appelle riding, Kenny said that at least 10of 14reserves will have at least onepolling stationon election day.

Saskatchewan sawincreases ofon-reserve voter turnout in a number of ridings in the 2011 federal election.

The highest increase in Saskatchewanwas in the riding formerly calledSaskatoon-Wanuskewin, where Elections Canada said turnout increased "substantially."

Push from the Assembly of First Nations

The Assembly of First Nations has been encouragingits members to vote. In early September it released a document calling for changes in the 2015 federal election.

Perry Bellegarde, national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, called on First Nations people at that time to show up and vote, and help improve aboriginal voter turnout.

The assembly identified 51 federal ridings where First Nations voters could change the outcome of the election, including seven Conservative-held ridings in Saskatchewan.

Push from local initiatives

A new effort in Saskatchewanis working to get aboriginal people to votethis election.

Indigenous Vote Sask. is a non-partisan volunteer-run group that's working to support aboriginal votersandmake sure they cast theirballots.

Right now it is helping indigenous voters register to vote and helping make sure voters have correct voting information. The initiative also actively promotesvotingusing social media platforms such asFacebook,YouTube and Twitter.

More indigenous candidates

The number of aboriginal candidates running in this election is up from the last campaign, with 49 indigenous candidates nominated across Canadaas ofthe beginning of September,compared to 33 in 2011.

In Saskatchewan, six candidates of indigenous background are currently seeking federal seats. In 2011 there were five. Earlier this campaignthere were seven indigenous people running in the province, but theNDP'sSandra Arias forBattlefords-Lloydminsterhas since dropped out of the race.

The candidates are more spread-out this year as well. Last election fourof the fiveindigenous candidates in the provincewere running in the same riding,Desneth-Missinippi-ChurchillRiver.

The six indigenous candidatesseeking office in Saskatchewan are:

Conservative

• Incumbent Rob Clarke (Cree) -Desneth-Missinippi-ChurchillRiver

NDP

• April Bourgeois (Mtis) -Regina-Wascana
• GeorginaJolibois(Dene) -Desneth-Missinippi-ChurchillRiver - mayor of LaLochesince 2003

Liberal

• Lisa Abbott (Cree) - Saskatoon West
• DellaAnaquod(Saulteaux, Cree, Dakota) -Regina-Qu'appelle
• Lawrence Joseph (Cree) -Desneth-Missinippi-ChurchillRiver