Two vie for Qikiqtani Inuit org’s VP position

Inuapik Sagiaktok lights a qulliq to launch the Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s annual general meeting in Iqaluit Oct. 6, 2015, a meeting that marked the Baffin Inuit organization’s 40th anniversary. This Dec. 12, the organization is holding elections to fill two executive and six community director positions. (FILE PHOTO)

(Updated, 11:50 a.m.)

When Inuit beneficiaries from the Qikiqtani region go to the polls Dec. 12, they’ll have two candidates to choose from for vice president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

Those candidates are Olayuk Akesuk, a longstanding QIA board member from Cape Dorset, and the incumbent, Larry Audlaluk of Grise Fiord.

Audlaluk has served as vice president of QIA since 2013, when he succeeded George Eckalook, who resigned for personal reasons.

Also, QIA’s veteran secretary treasurer, Joe Attagutaluk, will regain his position by way of an acclamation.

Attagutaluk, who has served as secretary treasurer on and off for many years, was the only declared candidate for the position in a list of unofficial candidates that QIA released Nov. 4, and is now an official candidate.

Also on Dec. 12, eligible beneficiaries in at least four and possibly five communities will choose community directors in community-specific votes.

Jarloo Kiguktak has withdrawn as a community director candidate for Grise Fiord, which means Liza Ningiuk will take the position by acclamation.

Audrey Qamanirq has withdrawn as a community director candidate for Arctic Bay, but three other candidates remain there.

No candidates were nominated for the community director position in Resolute Bay, so the nomination period there is extended until Nov. 10 at 5 p.m.

Also, the community director for Pond Inlet, Enookie Inuarak, resigned as of Nov. 4. But that vacant spot on QIA’s board will not be filled until the new year.

The final list of community director candidates up for election on Dec. 12 are as follows:

Arctic Bay
Levi Barnabas
Moses Koonoo
Jeremy Tunraluk

Cape Dorset
Mathew S. Jaw
Tikitoq Kingwatsiak
Simigak Suvega

Grise Fiord
Liza Ningiuk (Acclaimed)

Qikiqtarjuaq
Harry Alookie
Loasie Audlakiak
Stevie Aulaqiaq
Jaloo Kooneeliusie
Adrian Toomasie

Pangnirtung
Peter Evvik
Lasalosie Ishulutak

Resolute Bay
(Nomination period extended until Nov. 10, 5 p.m. local time.)

The Kivalliq Inuit Association also planned an election on Dec. 12, for secretary-treasurer and community directors in four communities—but now there is only one candidate for the position of secretary-treasurer, one candidate for Arviat community director and one candidate for Baker Lake community director.

However there are multiple candidates in Chesterfield Inlet and Coral Harbour, so eligible beneficiaries in those communities will still go to the polls.

Any voter who believes a candidate is not eligible to run in the KivIA election may provide written notice to returning office Lucy Maynard by 3 p.m., Nov. 10.

Secretary-treasurer
Donna Adams

Arviat
David Kuksuk

Baker Lake
Thomas Elytook

Chesterfield Inlet
Harry Aggark
Solomon Autut
Peter Sr. Kattegatsiak
Jimmy Krako

Coral Harbour
Hanna Angutialuk
Erksuktuk Nakoolak
Solomon Nakolak
Willie Nakoolak

Also on Dec. 12, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. will hold an election to fill Cathy Towtongie’s expiring term. Four candidates will contest the position: Aluki Kotierk, Joe Adla Kunuk, Levinia Brown and Towtongie.