Eleven hopefuls vie for Nunavut Tunngavik presidency

Eligible Inuit beneficiaries may choose from 11 candidates for president and from seven candidates running for two vice-president positions in executive elections for Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. scheduled for Dec. 13.

NTI released its official list of candidates in the early evening of Nov. 8.

The following 11 people will contest a by-election for the president’s job, held until recently by Paul Kaludjak, who was removed from the position by way of a unanimous vote held during the organization’s annual general meeting in Rankin Inlet last month:

Mikidjuk Akavak
Natsiq Alainga-Kango
Terry Audla
Jerry Ell
Niko Inuarak
Jesse Mike
Pat Netser
Andrew Qaunnaq
Joe Sageatook
Joe Tigullaraq
Cathy Towtongie

The list of presidential candidates includes one former NTI president, Cathy Towtongie, and a former NTI executive member, Natsiq Alainga-Kango.

Another candidate, Mikidjuk Akavak, ran unsuccessfully for NTI president in 2008.

Terry Audla of Iqaluit is taking a leave of absence from his job as executive director of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to contest the election. Also, candidate Jesse Mike of Iqaluit, has taken a leave of absence from her job at NTI’s social development department.

Patterk Netser, a former MLA and cabinet minister from Coral Harbour, will also run for NTI president, as will Jerry Ell, a former president of the Qikiqtaaluk Corp.

The following seven people will contest two vice president positions:

Jack Anawak
James Eetoolook
David Iqaqrialu
Raymond Ningeocheak,
Sam Omik
Andrew Taqtu
Marius Tungilik

In the vice presidential vote, eligible beneficiaries may cast ballots for up to two candidates each and the top two finishers in the vice presidential race will fill the vacant positions.

After the election, NTI’s board will appoint one vice president to serve as chair of the Nunavut Social Development Council and the other to serve as chair of the Inuit Wildlife Advisory Council.

The vice presidential list includes a former MLA, David Iqaqrialu of Clyde River, and a former Nunavut MP, Jack Anawak, who lost in a bid to take the president’s job in 2008.

The two incumbents, James Eetoolook and Raymond Ningeocheak, will once again attempt to keep their jobs.

Jose Kusugak will serve as interim president of NTI until Dec. 13.