Four candidates run for QIA presidency

Four men will contest the top position at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association on Dec. 9.

Thomasie Alikatuktuk, Sam Omik, Elijah Erkloo and Archie Angnakak are vying to become QIA’s president.

Alikatuktuk obviously wants to keep his job as QIA’s interim president. Alikatuktuk took over that position after the board of directors removed Meeka Kilabuk as president in September 2001.

The other presidential candidates all have extensive political backgrounds.

Sam Omik, of Pond Inlet, is a former board member of QIA, and the Baffin Regional Inuit Association. He has also served as vice-president of the organization.

Elijah Erkloo, also of Pond Inlet, was a member of the legislative assembly of the Northwest Territories in the 1980s, and has served on numerous boards and committees.

Archie Angnakak, of Iqaluit, ran unsuccessfully for the president’s job in QIA’s last election race in December 2000.

The successful candidate will serve as president for three years.

The vice-president’s position is also up for election.

There are three candidates: George Eckalook, QIA’s acting vice-president; Malachi Arreak of Iqaluit, and Pangnirtung resident Jaypeetee Qarpik.

The person elected as vice-president will serve a two-year term.

QIA beneficiaries in nine communities will also choose community directors. All directors elected on Dec. 9 will serve for three years.

In Clyde River, James Qillaq, Josie Enuaraq, Jackorasee Iqaqrialu and Loseeosee Aipellee are running for community director.

For Pond Inlet, there are two candidates: Kooneeloosie Nutarak Jr., and Jesse Nutarak.

The candidates in Cape Dorset are Ashevak Ezekiel, Ejesiak Ejesiak and Simiga Suvega.

Five people are running for community director of Igloolik: George Qulaut, Thomas Kublu, Joanna Oolateeta, Paul Haulli and Joe Immaroitok.

Iqaluit has two candidates: Joshua Kango and Kowesa Etitiq.

There are seven people running for director of Hall Beach. They are Jake Ikeperiar, Solomon Curley, Timut Qamukaq, Jopie Kaernerk, Jack Kammuak, Jayson Ikeperiar and Abraham Kaunak.

Only one candidate, Mikidjuk Kolola, is running for Kimmirut director. Resolute Bay only has one candidate as well, Ross Pudluk. They were both acclaimed.

For Pangnirtung, Tommy Evic, Sakiasie Sowdlooapik and Daisy Keenainak are running for community director.