Colville Lake elects Alvin Orlias Chief

People in Colville Lake, Northwest Territories have a new chief.

Alvin Orlias was elected last night. He's a long time band councillor but this is his first time serving as Chief.

He received more than a third of the vote.

"First thing, I want to get reaction from the people about what they think our priorities should be," Orlias said. "We have a few things on the table. We'll continue moving forward — there was nothing really wrong with it's just that people wanted change."

There were 88 votes cast out of 123 eligible voters, for a turnout of about 70 per cent. Orlias received 35 votes.

Last night's results mean the end of an era for former Chief Richard Kochon, who held the position for more than a decade.

He came in second with 26 votes, followed by Sharon Tutcho with 24.

Three votes were spoiled, and seven band councillors were also elected.