Like most everything, voting and why someone chooses to vote in unique to that person. Every election has so much at stake, and with the general election less than a month away, we asked our NB3 Foundation staff to share why they will be heading to the polls next month.
Erma Trujillo | Finance Assistant
“I vote because my voice counts, my family counts, my community and my people count. I may be but one voice but I represent many. It is an opportunity to make a difference. It is an opportunity to be heard. It is an opportunity that wasn’t always granted but now more than ever I believe it is our duty to participate in the process that affects us all. We may go to the polls as an individual but collectively we can make a significant impact.”
Alva Gachupin | Evaluation and Research Specialist
“I vote because my vote matters and it affects our youth tomorrow, and my vote matters because my ancestors fought for me to be here today.”
Tom Camacho | Grant Writer
“As a grant-writer, I vote for assurance that legislation to guarantee Government funding for Indigenous communities is supported. Government agencies that provide this funding have their budgets allocated through the legislative process; I vote for officials who are dedicated to maintaining that crucial support.”
Jon Driskell | COO
“Like it or not, elected officials hold huge power over factors that impact our daily lives with lasting repercussions for our children and grandchildren. I vote for justice, for peace, and to protect our land, air, and water from industry and pollution so that they will sustain the generations to come.”
Leroy “Buster” Silva | Community Coordinator
“As an Indigenous person, I have been taught to do things with other people in mind. We represent more than ourselves when we Vote. We Vote for those who didn’t have a voice… We Vote to keep the legacy of our families and people alive… We Vote to make the world a better place.”
Cyanne Lujan | Director of Advancement
“Our ancestors fought and persevered through many events and we are still here and still demanding that our voices be heard. I will vote because of the sacrifices they made and so that me, my children and future generations will continue be heard, our rights protected and our way of life valued.”
Jessica Tsosie | Advancement Assistant
“I vote to be the change in my future. My future is not only mine but my family, my friends, my community and my culture. This is a chance for my voice to be heard.”
Sacha Smith | Communications Specialist
“ I vote because as a mother I know my vote counts for more than just me. As we make our way to the polls in November I ask you all to vote for “us”. Vote for our Indigenous communities, for our traditions and our way of life. Vote to protect the futures of our young people.”
Request a ballot or find your nearest polling place here!
