Eric Robinson (politician)

Eric Robinson (born February 5, 1953) is an Aboriginal politician in Manitoba, Canada. He is a current member of the Manitoba legislature, and is a cabinet minister in the New Democratic government of Gary Doer.

Robinson was born in 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's "North Country" program, 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 (he replaced Elijah Harper in the assembly). 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 Native Affairs and the Aboriginal Justice Committee. Also in 1995, he supported Lorne Nystrom for leader of the federal New Democratic Party.

After the NDP won a majority government in the 1999 election, Robinson was named Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs with responsibility for the Communities Economic Development Fund. Following a cabinet shuffle on September 22, 2002, he became Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism with responsibility for Sport and the Voluntary Sector.

In 2003, Robinson supported Bill Blaikie's campaign to become leader of the federal NDP. In the 2003 provincial election, Robinson was re-elected with over 86% of the vote in his riding. He was returned again in the 2007 election.