Nahanni Fontaine seeks Manitoba NDP nomination in St. Johns

Nahanni Fontaine is seeking the New Democratic Party nomination in Winnipeg's St. Johns constituency, following Gord Mackintosh's decision to bow out of the upcoming election.

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She made the announcementFriday at the Ralph Brown Community Centre in the St. Johns constituency, flanked by residents, representatives from neighbourhood organizations, indigenous communitymembers and local labour leaders.

Fontaine said she was thrilled with the turnout.

"It really does humble me. Usually I'm on the other side. I'm usually the one that is doing all the work ... supporting families, supporting women and supporting children.So it's a little bit strange to be on the other side."

TylerPearce, director of communications for the Canadian Mental Health Association, andAaron McDowell,assistant to Ross Eadie, Mynarskiward city councillor, have also said they are interested in running for the nomination.

Longtime activist

Fontaine, the Manitoba government special advisor on aboriginal women's issues, advocates for indigenous girls and women who have been targets of violence in Manitoba and throughout Canada, saysa new release issued on Friday. She's also the former Southern Chiefs Organization director of justice.

She also has co-ordinatedsupport for Manitoba families who have lost loved ones to violence.

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Fontaine was one of five women awardedthe Governor-General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case in 2013.

"It is important to elect strong social justice advocates to continue the legacy and work of Gord Mackintosh and many others like him who believe passionately in protecting our most vulnerable," Fontaine said in the news release.

Fontaine serves as a member of the Winnipeg Police Advisory Board, Canadian Race Relations Foundation and the United Nations Working Group on the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

More indigenous candidates 'a beautiful thing'

Fontaine's intentions come on the heels of Wab Kinew's announcement that he will carry the banner for the NDP in Fort Rouge.

Althea Guiboche, widely known as "The Bannock Lady" is running for the Liberals in Point Douglas,

• Wab Kinew to run for NDP in Manitoba election
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Fontainesaid she's pleased to see moreindigenous people are stepping up to run in politics.

"I think that is first of all a beautiful thing. I think it's a reflection of where we are in the province in respect of recognizing the roll that indigenous people have to play in provincial politics."

• At least 13 indigenous candidates running between NDP, Liberals in Manitoba election

Manitoba's 41stprovincial election is scheduled for April 19.