Two-way race for mayor in Grise Fiord
Challenger takes on incumbent mayor in Nunavut’s northernmost community
The only race that is not acclaimed for Grise Fiord’s municipal elections is mayor, where incumbent Meeka Kiguktak faces Jaypetee Peter. (Photo courtesy of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada)
Leading up to Nunavut’s Oct. 23 municipal elections, Nunatsiaq News is publishing snapshots of races in the territory’s 25 communities.
Grise Fiord Mayor Meeka Kiguktak is facing a challenge for her job from Jaypetee Peter in the upcoming municipal election.
The contest is the only one Grise Fiord voters will have a say in, as the community’s council and district education authority are acclaimed.
Sitting at the bottom of Ellesmere Island, the territory’s northernmost community has a population of 144 people, according to the 2021 census.
Kiguktak is seeking re-election after winning unopposed in the last municipal election in 2019. Her involvement in politics goes as far back as 2001, when she was voted onto Grise Fiord’s municipal council.
She works at the hamlet’s health centre.
Kiguktak told Nunatsiaq News she was not available for an interview because she was too busy with work.
Her opponent in the race for mayor, Peter, could not be reached for comment for this story despite several attempts.
Peter is listed as the Nauttiqsuqtiit land guardian crew lead on Qikiqtani Inuit Association’s website.
Nauttiqsuqtiit land guardians work in stewardship of the Tallurutiup Imanga national marine conservation area of the High Arctic. They work as hunters and harvesters, and environmental stewards as well in search and rescue.
Over the past year, Grise Fiord saw an announcement of new rental units as part of the QIA and federal government’s $30-million High Arctic housing project.
In March, Grise Fiord received approximately $800,000 as a result of federal government funding for sustainable energy projects across five Nunavut communities. At the time, Kiguktak said she was “extremely pleased” that Grise Fiord was included.
And in February, QIA announced that Nauttiqsuqtiit land guardian jobs would become full-time.
Since only five candidates ran for the five seats on Grise Fiord’s municipal council, they were all acclaimed. They are Susie Kiguktak, Arqnarulunnguaq Audlaluk, Eva Muckpa, Laisa Audlaluk-Watsko and Jimmy Qaapik.
The district education authority is also acclaimed. Members are Larry Audlaluk and Anne Akeeagok.
(0) Comments