WINNIPEG, MB - The "Sleeping Giant" has awakened according to First Nations leaders following Canada's election on October 19, which elected Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau, 43, in a landslide victory allowing them to form a majority government. The Conservative Party's government went down to a resounding defeat which returned former prime minister Stephen Harper to form the Official Opposition Party.

Ten First Nations candidates were elected, highlighted by the election of Winnipeg Centre's Robert Falcon Ouellette, who beat out longtime New Democratic Party MP Pat Martin who had represented the riding (electoral district) since 1997.

"It's a great day," said a jubilant Grand Chief Derek Nepinak with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, following the election results. "I feel a lot of relief from the years of very purposeful oppression that was brought forward from the previous government."

Aboriginal voters danced in Winnipeg's famous Portage and Main intersection after it was clear that Mr. Harper was going down to defeat. They began gathering, dancing, singing and drumming, celebrating.

"We made a call out to the warriors, strong Indigenous men and women to come out here," said Gerry Shingoose. Howevr, the group was cleared out after about ten minutes as they were blocking traffic.

Expectations of this new government are high especially when it comes to Indigenous issues. At the top of the list would be an inquiry into an estimated 1,200 missing and murdered Aboriginal women. Prime Minister Trudeau has already indicated that this issue has top priority.

Other issues on the First Nations agenda have to do with the recent court ruling on the Kapyong Barracks in southwest Winnipeg, and how quickly this new government will negotiate with First Nations.

A month prior to the federal election, former prime minister Stephen Harper pledged not to appeal the Federal Court of Appeal decision on the future of the former Canadian military base. He did not say what his government would do leaving the question of whether or not the vacant property would be sold to the bands of Treaty 1.

Long Plain First Nation Chief Dennis Meeches, applauded Harper's move, saying it was long overdue. The chief said that talks between the bands and then prime minister's staff had been underway.

Another important issue is building a road to Shoal Lake. Prior to the election, there was a war of words being fought over the building of an all-season road between Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and the Trans-Canada Highway.

Both the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg, which gets its drinking water from Shoal Lake, have pledged funds to build a permanent all-season road. The Canadian government had only committed to fund the survey for the road.

Prime Minister Trudeau had promised as a candidate that if elected, his government would make building the road a priority. This remains to be seen.

At press time, Elections Canada had not yet released figures for the Aboriginal turnout across Canada, but there is evidence that voter turnout went up by 20 per cent in some largely Aboriginal ridings. Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, which covers much of Manitoba's north, had an increase of more than 11,000 additional voters, according to their chiefs.