Four run for QIA vice-president; three for secretary-treasurer
Qikiqtani Inuit to choose executive members, community directors on Dec. 14
A QIA board meeting held in 2017 in Iqaluit. On Dec. 14, eligible Qikiqtani Inuit voters will go to the polls to choose a vice-president, secretary-treasurer and five community directors. (File photo)
Four people are vying for the vice-presidency of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, and three will contest the secretary-treasurer position in a regional election to be held on Dec. 14.
The Inuit organization released its official list of candidates on Nov. 6. for an election that, in the Qikiqtani region, will be held in tandem with a Nunavut-wide election for the presidency of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
The candidates for QIA vice-president are:
- Olayuk Akesuk of Kinngait
- Jerry Natanine of Clyde River
- Jaco Newkingak of Qikiqtarjuaq
- Cornelius K. Nutarak of Pond Inlet
The candidates for QIA secretary-treasurer are:
- Levi Barnabas of Arctic Bay
- Enoki Irqittuq of Sanirajak
- Johnny Mike of Pangnirtung
As well, eligible Inuit voters in five communities will choose community directors:
Arctic Bay
- Andrew Taqtu
- Jeremy Tunraluk
Grise Fiord
- Larry Audlaluk
- Liza Ningiuk
Kinngait
- Mathew Saveakjuk Jaw
- Adamie Nuna
Pangnirtung
- Peter Evvik
- Looee Mike
- Charlie Qumuatuq
Qikiqtarjuaq
- Harry Alookie
- Jonah M. Audlakiak
- Stevie Aulaqiaq
In Resolute Bay, Paul Amagoalik has been acclaimed as community director.
An advance poll will be held Dec. 7, when polling stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Eligible voters can also cast proxy ballots.
The current QIA president, P.J. Akeeagok, won his job by acclamation in 2018 and still has two years left in his four-year term.
Absolutely no comments on the story. No questions posed to the QIA VP and secretary-treasurer about policy. I expect the voter turnout will be dismally low. Despite great wealth and responsibility the membership feels disconnected and disenfranchised.