To vote or not to vote...

For many people, what to do about the treaty referendum is a confusing jumble of ever-changing strategies. Here are a few of them:

The active boycott

Supported by the majority of First Nations groups, the “active” boycott strategy involves voters redirecting their ballots to collection boxes, like the one in UVic's Student Union Building (Resource Centre), and not to the government. Results will be independently counted. Make sure the ballot is in the secrecy envelope with the declaration signed.

You can also send your ballot to:

Chief Judith Sayers
Hupacasath First Nation
5323 River Rd,
Port Alberni, BC,
V9Y 6Z3

Con: Vote not included in government count.

Spoiling your ballot

This strategy rejects the referendum by returning your ballot to the government blank or with a comment. Although spoiled ballots will be counted, Elections BC has removed the option for a “protest vote.” Fake referendum ballots can be downloaded from the Aboriginal Rights Coalition (ARC).

Pro: Inclusion in government count.

Con: Less media publicity than active boycott.

Voting No

This means simply answering all eight referendum questions No and returning the ballots to the government by May 15. This shows opposition to the government’s agenda but is not supported by First Nations organizations because participating gives legitimacy to a majority vote on Native rights.

Pro: Counteracts a Yes vote.

Con: No votes are not binding; shows support for the referendum itself.

Voting Yes

This is the strategy endorsed by the government. It binds provincial treaty negotiators to the eight principles of the referendum, including municipal-style self-government and ending First Nations tax exemptions.

Pro: The government says it is a path to certainty, finality and equality.

Con: It has raised fierce opposition from First Nations and supporters, who say it is racist.

Confused?

Check out some sites for more information:

BC Referendum Action Network: www.treatyinjustice.org

First Nations Summit: www.fns.bc.ca

Aboriginal Rights Coalition: arcbc.tripod.com

British Columbia Referendum Office: www.treatyreferendum.ca

Ministry of Attorney General Treaty Negotiations Office: www.gov.bc.ca/tno

Sources: BC Referendum Action Network,

Compiled by David Ball

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