Inuit orgs in Kitikmeot, Kivalliq regions to host elections Dec. 14

Kivalliq Inuit Association president David Ningeongan addresses the organization’s annual general meeting last month in Rankin Inlet. Ningeongan is running for re-election next month. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KIA)

Beneficiaries in the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions will head to the polls Dec. 14 to elect executive members for their birthright organizations.

Two candidates have stepped forward to run as president of the Kivalliq Inuit Association ahead of that election.

Incumbent president David Ningeongan, first elected in 2012, is seeking re-election next month.

He’ll face competition from Pujjuut Kusugak, a former teacher and mayor of Rankin Inlet, who has more recently worked as a consultant for Agnico Eagle Mines.

Eligible Inuit voters in the Kitikmeot will vote Dec. 14 for two vice president positions at the Kitikmeot Inuit Association: vice president of wildlife and environment, as well as vice president of economic development.

Candidates for wildlife and environment include Attima Hadlari of Cambridge Bay and Jayko Palongayak of Kugluktuk.

And there are five candidates running for vice president of economic development: Charlie Lyall of Taloyoak, Peter Akkikungnaq of Gjoa Haven, Joseph Aglukkaq of Gjoa Haven, Bob Aknavigak of Cambridge Bay and Jean Evalik of Cambridge Bay.

Each elected VP will serve a four-year term.

Also on Dec. 14, eligible Inuit beneficiary voters will choose a new board member to represent Cambridge Bay on the KIA.

That position was left vacant when Bob Aknavigak resigned earlier this year.

Candidates are Jeannie Evalik, John Kaiyogana, Margo Neglak and Andre Otokiak.

Inuit beneficiaries 16 years and older are eligible to vote Dec. 14, or in advance polls to be held Dec. 7.