The digital age and social media spice up AFN elections

OTTAWA – First Nations chiefs from across the country head to Toronto next week to choose a new national leader, as they do every three years.

But this time, the debate leading up to the election is taking on a more populist tone, as the eight candidates engage with band members on social media and through the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.

On Thursday night, APTN is to air an all-candidates’ debate that is drawing the attention of many a chief and band member.

And the candidates and experts say discussion about the campaign has taken off on Twitter and Facebook, drawing in the grassroots like never before.

But will the chiefs listen to what’s happening on the social media?

Only chiefs get a vote, but the pressure to extend that vote to all band members is mounting steadily, with at least one chief saying he will take direction from his people.