Narrow wins shape new municipal councils

KIRSTEN MURPHY

From dismal turnouts to narrow wins, the 23 municipal elections throughout Nunavut on Tuesday offered a smattering of shock and surprise.

Elections in Pond Inlet were postponed by one day because of power outages. Each community elected or re-elected hamlet councillors or mayors.

Baffin Region

In Arctic Bay, Joanasie Akumalik ousted Niore Iqalukjuak as mayor by 31 votes. Four new councillors come to the table: Moses Oyukuluk, Pauloosie Kaujak, Sakiasie Qaunaq and Rod Reid.

It was a squeaker in Resolute Bay, where Aziz Kheraj beat incumbent mayor George Eckalook by one vote. The new councillors are Terri Lyn Hall, Kantasse Idlout, Sheena Karsarnak, Tabitha Mullin and Minnie Nungaq. Resolute Bay’s 85 per cent turnout was the highest in the three regions.

Qikiqtarjuaq mayor Lootie Toomasie won by acclamation. Four new council seats were filled by Loasie Audlakiak, Mary Killiktee, Toomasie Newkingnak and Gamailie Nookiguak.

Mathew Jaw Saviajuk remains mayor for another year in Cape Dorset. Joining his council are Joanasie Mathew, Alika Parr, Ejetsiak Peter and Ningeosiak Peter. Cape Dorset’s meagre 40 per cent voter turnout was the lowest in all three regions.

Former deputy Sandy Kautuq is Clyde River’s new mayor. New council members are Jayco Ashevak, Igah Hainnu, Laimikie Palluq and Uriah Qaqasiq.

Jarloo Kiguktak is mayor in Grise Fiord for the next two years. His six new councillors are Raygilee Attagootak, Laisa Audlaluk, Rob Belliveau, Martha Kiguktak, Meeka Kiguktak and Tivai Kiguktak.

Elijah Evaluarjuk remains mayor for another year in Igloolik. Joining his council are Dominic Angutimarik, Theo Ikummaq, John Illupalik, Zacharias Kunuk and Marie-Lucie Uviluq.

Joe Arlooktoo is Kimmirut’s mayor by acclamation. His six new councillors are Judea Akulujuk, Killiktee Akeego, Atsaina Kolola, Jeannie Padluq, Martha Padluq and Itee Temela.

Hall Beach mayor Levi Kaunak has another year as mayor. His new councillors are Peter Kadlutsiak, Elijah Kaernerk, Peter Nuvviaq and Solomon Qanatsiaq.

In Pangnirtung, Hezakiah Oshutapik has one year remaining as mayor. The four new councillors are Naimee Akpalialuk, Adamie Komoartok, Dennis Kuglugutok and Julia Tautaukjuk.

Annie Amitook is mayor for another year in Sanikiluaq. Her new council members are Mary Inuktaluk Sr., John Jamieson, Davidee Kowcharlie, Silassie Tookalook and Charlie Novalinga Sr.

Kivalliq Region

David Webster was elected mayor in Baker Lake. New council members are Samson Arnauyok, Leo Lareau, Simeon Mikkungwak and Frank Tootoo.

There was not much activity in Chesterfield Inlet. Mayor George Tanuyak has another year as mayor. The four vacant councillor positions were filled by acclamation.

Marvin Dion remains mayor in Coral Harbour. Joining the council are Potoguk Adamie, Joseph Angootealuk, Dino Bruce, Amouyah Eetuk and Casey Paniyuk.

Donat Milortok remains mayor in Repulse Bay for another year. New councillors are Richard Angotialuk, Joe Angotialuk, John Kaunak, Peter Mannik and Louisa Mapsalak.

David Alagalak is one year into his two-year term as mayor of Arviat. Joining his council are Nathan Caskey, Mark Kalluak, Annie Ollie and Luke Suluk.

Jack Kabvitok remains Rankin Inlet’s mayor. New councillors are Leonard Forbes, Roberts Janes, Laura Kowmuk, Justin Merrit and Hamish Tatty.

In Whale Cove, Davida Kritterdlik steps in to the mayor’s seat with a 21-vote win over Jack Angoo. New councillors are Makki Angoo, Elizabeth Kabloona, Roy Kritterdlik, Peter Kukshoot, Martha Panika and Pauline Sabourin. Whale Cove had the second-highest voter turnout, with 76 per cent.

Kitmeot Region

Incumbent mayor Keith Peterson received 261 votes, securing his term for another two years in Cambridge Bay. All new councillors were acclaimed.

Joseph Agluukkaq remains mayor for another year in Gjoa Haven. His new councillors are Peter Akkikungnak, Ruby Eleheetook, Teddy Carter, Mary Kamookak and Gideon Qitsualik.

Stanley Anablak remains mayor in Kugluktuk for the rest of his two year term. The five new councillor’s seats were all filled by acclamation.

Raymond Kayaksark remains Kugarruk’s mayor for another year. Joining his council are Alex Ittimangnak, Joshua Kringorn, Zachary Oonark, Ema Qagutag and Joanne Sikkuark.

In Taloyoak, David Aqqaq is mayor. New councillors are George Aklah, Louise Alookee, Annie Buchan and Richard Totalik.