Nunavik school board commissioners up for election today, Nov. 19

The KSB’s outgoing commissioners’ council meets for the first time in late 2011. (KSB PHOTO)

Voters in most Nunavik communities have a choice to make Nov. 19.

That’s when seats on the Kativik School Board Commissioners Council go up for election: 14 new or returning commissioners will join KSB’s governing body for a new three-year term.

And these commissioners will then select a new president for the council.

This year, 49 candidates are contesting commissioner seats in 10 Nunavik communities.

Commissioners have been acclaimed in four other communities.

These commissioners include Tasuijaq’s incumbent Pasha Berthe, Inujivik’s incumbent Thomassie Mangiok and newcomers Joseph Annahatak in Kangirsuk and Pallaya Ezekiel in Quaqtaq.

Nunavik’s largest community, Kuujjuaq, is hosting the biggest race for commissioner, with eight candidates:

They are:

• Mary Tukkiapik Mesher (incumbent);

• Willis Tagoona;

• Jonathan Grenier;

• Joe Snowball;

• Sarah Airo;

• Susie Cain Gordon;

• Vinnie Kooktook; and,

• Daniel Koneak.

Kangisualujjuaq candidates:

• Susie Emudluk;

• Lucas Angma Etok;

• Jean Leducl

• Kitty Annanack; and,

• Adamie Bobby Etok.

In Sallluit, the candidates are:

• Michael Cameron;

• Charlie Pinguatuq;

• Kakkiniq Naluiyuk;

• Ealla Kaittaq;

• Timmiaq Pauyungie; and,

• Michael Abraham.

In Kuujjuaraapik, the candidates are:

• Rhoda Cookie;

• Peter Papyarluk;

• Rhoda Angatookalook;

• Winnie Mickeyook; and,

• Sarah Hunter.

In Aupaluk, the candidates are:

• Martin Scott (incumbent);

• Paulussie Kaittuq;

• Joanassie Annahatak; and,

• Jeannie Lucas

In Umiujaq, the candidates are:

• Alicia Aragutak;

• Eva Niviaxie; and,

• Mary Crow Novalinga.

In Inukjuak, the candidates are:

• Alicie Nalukturuk; and,

• Rynee Kokiapik.

Puvirnituq candidates:

• Sarah Beaulne; and

• Amaly Sivuaq.

In Akulivik, the candidates are:

• Markussie Qinuajuaq; and,

• Solomonie Alayco.

And in Kangiqsujuaq, the candidates are:

• Jessica Arngak (incumbent); and,

• Tuniq Irniq.

Nunavik last elected its commissioners’ council Nov. 16, 2011.

Shortly afterwards, Johnny Kasudluak was elected as president of the council, a position he’s held for the last three years.

Kasudluak is not seeking re-election this year.

But he’ll continue to serve as acting president of the council until the new council meets for the first time Dec. 9.

Polling stations are open in Nunavik communities Nov. 19 until 6:00 p.m. Any Nunavimmiut aged 18 years or over can vote as long as they are registered on the voters list.

Elections results will be announced Nov. 20, the KSB said in a release.