James Eetoolook returns as VP at Nunavut Tunngavik
Mikidjuk Akavak, PJ Akeeagok 3 votes apart for QIA president; recount coming
James Eetoolook, the former vice-president of the Nunavut land claims organization, is back after winning 3,284 votes (52 per cent) in yesterday’s election.
He says Nunavut Tunngavik needs to keep pushing the federal government to do what they promised.
“As Inuit, we need to keep the rights that were given to us,” Eetoolook said.
Eetoolook beat out Jesse Mike, who won 2,074 votes (33 per cent) and Douglas Aggark who won 964 (15 per cent).
Eetoolook will serve a four-year term, and will also serve as chair of Nunavut Tunngavik’s Inuit Social and Cultural Development Advisory Committee and the Inuit Wildlife and Environment Advisory Committee.
In all, about 30 per cent of beneficiaries voted in the election.
Recount for QIA president
The race for president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association was too close to call last night.
At the end of the evening, Mikidjuk Akavak was ahead of PJ Akeeagok by just three votes with 758 votes to Akeeagok's 755.
Chief Returning Officer Nancy Karetak-Lindell ordered a recount, saying it could take up to three days to get the final numbers.
“We have to do every community again and have someone look at the ballots,” she says.
Karetak-Lindell also ordered a recount in the race for Iqaluit community director.
Former city councillor Simon Nattaq was ahead of former mayor Madeleine Redfern by just six votes.
A recount is ordered anytime the margin is two per cent or less.
Other newly elected community directors are:
- Abraham Qammaniq in Hall Beach
- Johnny Malaiya Kublu in Igloolik
- Tommy Akavak in Kimmirut
- Peter Kattuk in Sanikiluaq
Several community directors were acclaimed, including:
- Enookie Inuarak in Pond Inlet
- Susie Kiguktak in Grise Fiord
- Inutiq Iqaqrialu in Clyde River
Raymond Ningeocheak VP of Kivalliq Inuit
Raymond Ningeocheak was the unofficial winner of the Kivalliq Inuit Association election for vice-president
He received 560 votes, followed by Donna Adams with 542 votes.
Kivalliq Inuit also elected three new community directors:
- Donat Milortok in Repulse Bay
- Jack Kabvitok in Rankin Inlet
- Patricia Enuapik in Whale Cove.
Peter Akkikungnaq to lead Kitikmeot Inuit
The new President of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association is Peter Akkikungnaq.
He beat out Stanley Anablak, Joe Ohokannoak, and Jeannie Ehaloak to take the position.
He'll serve in that role until December 2018.
David Nivingalok was elected vice-president.
He beat out Tars Angutingunirk and John Charles Lyall for the post.
Voter turnout in that election was about 32 per cent.