Municipal candidates prepare for election

Nunavummiut will head to the polls Dec. 9 to vote for candidates running for municipal office. While many hamlets have predetermined winners, in some communities the elections will prove to be a race to the finish.

Municipal affairs in Resolute Bay hit the news this past summer when 30 Inuit residents signed a petition to oust Mayor Aziz Kheraj. Kheraj refused to step down, maintaining he had done nothing wrong.

While Kheraj has one year remaining in his term, Joadamee Amagoalik, the man who spearheaded the petition, is running for one of four open council seats.

Former mayor George Eckalook is also running for a seat on council. Eckalook ran for mayor against Kheraj last year and lost by a single vote.

In Igloolik, nine candidates are running for four open council seats. Incumbent Elijah Evaluajuk is facing Paul Haulli in the race for mayor. Haulli was the mayor of Pond Inlet before returning to Igloolik.

In Hall Beach, Mayor Levi Kaunak is not vying for re-election, leaving the fight to Jayson Ikeperiar and Jopie Kaernerk. Four candidates were acclaimed to the four open council seats.

Nunavut’s youngest mayor, Sandy Kautuq of Clyde River, has one year remaining in his term, and three candidates were acclaimed to council seats. One more councillor will be appointed in January to fill the fourth open seat.

Sanikiluaq’s incumbent, Annie Amitook, will face Joe Arragutainaq and Johnny Tookalook for the mayor’s position. Eleven candidates are vying for one of the four open council seats.

Pangnirtung’s incumbent, Hezakiah Oshutapik, will be running against Manasa Evic for the mayor’s title, and 10 candidates are running for four open council seats.

Pond Inlet’s mayor, Peter Aglak, has two years remaining in his term, but six candidates are hoping to fill the four open council seats.

Kimmirut’s Joe Arlooktoo has two years remaining in his term and one candidate has been acclaimed a councillor. Three others will be appointed in January to fill the open council seats.

Four candidates for hamlet council were acclaimed in Grise Fiord. And Mayor Jarloo Kiguktak has one year remaining in his term. Another councillor will be acclaimed in January.

Cape Dorset’s mayor, Mathew Saviajuk-Jaw, has been acclaimed to another three-year term and five people are running for four open council seats.

The four council seats open in Qikiqtarjuaq were filled by acclamation and the mayor, Lootie Toomasie, will continue his term for another year.

Arctic Bay’s mayor, Joanasie Akumalik, also has one year remaining in his term and nine candidates will run for the four open council seats.

Kitikmeot region

Gjoa Haven’s mayor, Joseph Aglukkaq, is running against Peter Akkikungnaq for the top municipal seat. Aglukkaq is scheduled to face sexual assault charges in court in March. Nine candidates are running for the four open council seats in the community.

In Kugaaruk, incumbent Raymond Kayaksark is running against Canute Krejunark and Makabe Nartok for the mayor’s title. Six candidates are hoping to fill the four available council seats.

Kugluktuk’s mayor, Stanley Anablak, has been acclaimed for another two-year term and seven candidates are vying for the five open council seats.

In Taloyoak, Mayor David Aqqaq has one year remaining in his term and seven candidates, including Charlie Lyall, president of the Kitikmeot Corporation and brother of former mayor Dennis Lyall, are hoping to fill the four open council seats.

Cambridge Bay Mayor Keith Peterson has one year remaining in his term and five people are racing to fill the four open council seats.

Kivalliq region

Four candidates, including incumbent David Alagalak, are running for mayor in Arviat. Peter Kritaqliluk, Paul Mikiyuniak and Paul Pemik have also thrown their hats into the ring. Ten candidates are trying to fill the four open seats on council.

In Rankin Inlet, the mayor’s seat is also being contested, with three candidates, including incumbent Jack Kabvitok and Lorne Kusugak. Kusugak ran for MLA in the territorial election and lost to Jack Anawak by 14 votes. Ollie Ittinuar is the third candidate.

Eleven candidates are running for the four open council seats, including deputy mayor Levinia Brown.

In Repulse Bay, three candidates are running for mayor: Steven Kopak, Steve Mapsalak and Donat Milortok. The current mayor, John Kaunak, is not running. Eleven candidates are running for the four open council seats.

Another three-way mayoralty race is taking place in Baker Lake where incumbent Jacob Ikinilik is facing Silas Ango’yuaq and Joseph Niego. Thirteen candidates have submitted their names for the five open council seats.

Chesterfield Inlet Mayor Tony Amauyak was acclaimed for another two-year term and seven people are running to fill the four open council seats.

In Coral Harbour, Mayor Marvin Dion has one year remaining in his term and 10 candidates are vying for the four open council seats.

Mayor David Kritterdlik of Whale Cove has two years remaining in his term and 12 people are running for the five open council seats.