National Inuit org issues nomination call for president’s job

Delegates at ITK’s AGM in Kuujjuaq on June 6, 2012 give a standing ovation to Mary Simon, who was succeeded that day by Terry Audla, who became president by winning 12 votes. Robbie Watt, a self-nominated candidate, took only one vote. Audla’s three-year term expires this year. (FILE PHOTO)

The nomination period for an election to choose a president for the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is now open, the Inuit organization said July 20.

The nomination period closes Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. eastern time. The vote will be held Sept. 17 among member reps and delegates at ITK’s annual general meeting in Cambridge Bay.

Information about election procedures and candidate application forms is available here.

There are two methods of nominating ITK presidential candidates.

The first is for any one of ITK’s four member organizations — the Inuvialuit Regional Corp., Makivik Corp., Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the Nunatsiavut Government — to name a candidate.

Under the second method, an Inuk individual may submit a written declaration of candidacy no fewer than 20 days prior to the election, with the signatures of 20 Inuit supporters, a cover letter outlining their experience, a passport-quality photo and a $200 cheque.

Each candidate must be an Inuk and at least 18 years old.

ITK said they encourage candidates to appear at the AGM in person, where each will get 10 minutes to speak prior to the vote.

But ITK also said they are not able to pay transportation and accommodation costs for candidates.

That means candidates who can’t afford to appear in person must make their remarks by telephone.

ITK is holding the election to fill a vacant spot left by the expiry this year of Terry Audla’s term of office.

Audla won the ITK president’s job June 6, 2012 in Kuujjuaq, by a margin of 12 votes to one over Robbie Watt.

ITK AGMs are usually attended by at least 12 people: four “member representatives” from each of ITK’s four members plus eight delegates appointed by each of the four members.

The organization’s AGM in Cambridge Bay starts Sept. 16.

The returning officer for this year’s vote is Kate Darling, ITK’s senior political and legal advisor.

The deputy chief returning officer is Heather Ochalski, the acting director of the National Centre for Inuit Education.

ITK has yet to name a new permanent executive director to replace Stephen Hendrie, who abruptly departed the job this past March.

Right now, Peter Giekie is serving as acting executive director.