The first Aboriginal candidate to run for the leadership of a federal political party is touring Saskatchewan.

On Tuesday, Romeo Saganash met with members of the Little Pine and Sweetgrass First Nations.

Before that, Saganash went door-knocking in Saskatoon.

He says he is in this race to win, adding he wants to persuade more Aboriginal people to vote, for their own good.

Saganash has worked on behalf of the Cree in Northern Quebec for about 25 years.

He says his skills as a negotiator for the Cree with industry and governments could unite the country.

Saganash says late NDP leader Jack Layton once told him he can unite French, English and First Nations — rich and poor — east and west.

Saganash is campaigning in Meadow Lake today before heading back to his home riding in northern Quebec.