Over 1,000 cast early votes in Mtis Nation of Saskatchewan election

Over 1,000 people cast their votes in the Mtis Nation of Saskatchewan general election, ahead of Saturday's advance polls.

The early votes equate to roughly one-third of the total number of votes cast in the last election in 2012.

Advance polls for this year's election closed across the province at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Ty Gardiner cast his vote at the advance poll in Saskatoon, saying it's important to safeguard Mtis rights for hunting.

"There's a lot more interest in the people running for office," he said of this year's race.

The final chance for people to vote is on election day proper, May 27.

People seeking more information on where they can vote that day can visit the group's election pagefor information.