Okalik Eegeesiak re-elected QIA president

Okalik Eegeesiak was re-elected president of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association on Monday.

As the results rolled in, George Qulaut was in the lead most of the night but the final community to report, Cape Dorset, turned the tables.

Eegeesiak took most of the votes cast there and that put her ahead of Qulaut by 66 votes.

According to unofficial results from the QIA, Eegeesiak took 36 per cent of the vote, George Qulaut took 34 per cent, and Paul Quassa finished third with 30 per cent of the vote.

"They came through the last time, the first time I ran, and they came through yesterday and I really appreciate the support I have in Cape Dorset," said Eegeesiak.

Eegeesiak said her first priority will be settling the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement with Baffinland Iron Mines. 

She also said she won't forget about the social issues, such as housing, that she heard about while visiting six or seven communities on the campaign trail.

Voter turnout in the election varied from community to community. It was highest in Sanikiluaq where 55 per cent of eligible voters cast a vote and lowest in Iqaluit where just 21 per cent of beneficiaries voted.

Several community directors were also elected last night: Jerry Natanine in Clyde River, Abraham Qamaniq in Hall Beach, John Illupalik in Igloolik, Simon Nattaq in Iqaluit, Mikidjuk Lyta in Kimmirut, Philip Paneak in Pond Inlet, and Peter Kattuk in Sanikiluaq.

Kivalliq results

In the Kivalliq Inuit Association election, David Ningeongan defeated incumbent Joe Kaludjak to become president. 

Unofficial results from the KIA indicate Ningeongan took 771 votes to Kaludjak’s 545. Kono Tattuinee finished third with 351 votes.

For vice-president, Raymond Ningeocheak narrowly defeated Stanley Adjuk, 851 votes to 814.

Three community directors were also elected last night: Donat Milortok in Repulse Bay, Leopold Ekwalak in Whale Cove, and Jack Kabvitok in Rankin Inlet.