Six hopefuls in running for Kitikmeot Inuit Association president

Six candidates have put their name forward in the Kitikmeot Inuit Association’s presidential election.

The organization that manages lands in trust for Kitikmeot Inuit will elect its president, a vice-president and three regional board of directors on Dec. 14.

Two other Inuit organizations, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and Qikiqtani Inuit Association, will also host their leadership elections the same day.

The KIA presidential nominees are Jeannie Ehaloak, Rosabelle Klengenberg and Lawrence Otokiak from Cambridge Bay; Simon Komangat and Raymond Quqshuun Sr. from Gjoa Haven; and David Audlatak Nivingalok from Kugluktuk, according to a news release from the organization.

Since late June, Nivingalok has served as acting president after KIA announced former president James Eetoolook had to take leave “for personal matters.”

James Aiyout, Abel Aqqaq, David Aqqaq, and Ashoona Iroqiut hope to be elected to the board to represent Taloyoak.

Kugluktuk and Kugaaruk have one person running for their community’s spot on the board of directors: Leah Kadlun put her name forward for the Kugluktuk seat, and Tars Angutingunirk put his name forward to represent Kugaaruk.

The nomination period for KIA’s social and cultural vice-president position has been extended until Friday.

Successful candidates will hold onto their roles until 2030.