Municipal elections on Monday

SARA MINOGUE

Nunavummiut in 12 hamlets will go to the polls on Monday to choose a new mayor.

Fourteen mayors wind up their terms this year, but two of those will return to the job because there were no challengers.

Joe Arlooktoo of Kimmirut and Lorne Kusugak of Rankin Inlet will both start new terms as mayors by acclamation.

Igloolik mayor Elijah Evaluardjuk, who will step down after four years in office, says that all four candidates in Igloolik have a chance at winning.

The candidates are David Aqqiarruq, who works with the Igloolik Hunters and Trappers Association, Joe Ataguttaaluk, who was recently appointed to council to fill a vacancy, Thomas Kublu, a former mayor, and Harry Ittuksarjuat.

Evaluardjuk said that he will be glad to return to his businesses full-time. Evaluardjuk is the owner of the Tujurmivik Hotel as well as the construction company, Savik Enterprises Ltd.

He also points out that the last two years have been difficult.

“I’ve never had enemies before,” he said, recalling the tension in September when the hamlet’s outside workers went on strike, unhappy with the way they were being treated by senior administrative officer Rick Doucet, who has since left.

In spite of some difficulties, Evaluardjuk was happy to serve the people of Igloolik.

“I loved it. Promoting the community, meeting people… it’s been a very good experience for me.”

Here are the candidates for mayor in the remaining 11 hamlets.

In Arviat:

Elizabeth Copland
Peter Kritaqliluk, current mayor
Annie Olllie
Tommy Owlijoot
Jimmy Main
Airo Pameolik
In Baker Lake:

David Aksawnee
Edwin Evo
Thomas Iksiraq
Tom Kabloona
Joe Niego
Thomas Oovayuk
In Chesterfield Inlet:

Barney Aggark
Jimmy Krako
Semeonie Sammortok
George Tanuyak
In Gjoa Haven:

Ralph Porter Sr.
Uriash Puqiqnak
In Hall Beach:

Paul Haulli
Jopie Kaernerk, current mayor
In Kugluktuk:

Stanley Anablak
Peter Taptuna, current mayor
Ernie Bernhardt
In Panniqtuuq:

Naimee Kilabuk
Adamee Komoartok
Jack Maniapik
Julia Tautuajuk
In Pond Inlet:

Peter Aglak, current mayor
Abraham Kublu
Billy Merkosak
David Q. Qamaniq
Cornelius Kadloo Nutarak
In Repulse Bay:

Simoenie Kopak, current mayor
Steven Kopak
Donat Milortok
Louise Tungilik
In Sanikiluaq:

Annie Amitook, current mayor
Johnny Tooktook
Joe Arragutainaq
Davidee Kowcharlie
In Taloyoak:

Aiolah Takolik
Sam Tulugialik