Eric Robinson

Who is Eric Robinson?

Eric Robinson is an Aboriginal politician in Manitoba, Canada. He is currently a member of the Manitoba legislature, and is a cabinet minister in the New Democratic government of Greg Selinger.

Robinson is a member of the Cross Lake First Nation, covered under Treaty 5. He has been active in Aboriginal issues for several years, and has worked for the Assembly of First Nations and the Brotherhood of Indian Nations, as well as other organizations promoting native rights within Canada.

Before entering provincial politics, Robinson was also a producer and broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and worked for Native Communications Incorporated. In 1985, he co-authored a work entitled Infested Blanket, an historical indictment of the Canadian government's past dealings with Aboriginal peoples.

Robinson entered provincial politics on September 21, 1993, winning a by-election in the northern riding of Rupertsland. Running for the NDP, Robinson received 1697 votes; his closest opponent, Liberal George Munroe, received 1023.

Robinson was easily re-elected in the provincial election of 1995, and served as the NDP's critic for Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. Also in 1995, he supported Lorne Nystrom for leader of the federal New Democratic Party.