Jean-Guy Whiteduck elected new chief of Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg

Jean-Guy Whiteduck has been re-elected chief of Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg, beating his closest rival by just five votes.

Whiteduck previously served as chief of the Algonquin First Nation near Maniwaki, Que., from 1976 to 2006, then again from 2015 to 2018, when he resigned due to health reasons.

Whiteduck was elected on Saturday with 327 votes, electoral officer Tina Dewache said in an email Monday. The runner-up, Frankie Cote, had 322 votes.

Whiteduck was elected alongside six councillors:

• Andy Decontie, elected with 284 votes.
• Gordon McGregor, elected with 261 votes.
• Frank Meness, elected with 331 votes.
• Anita Tenasco, elected with 398 votes.
• Victoria-Lyn Tenasco-Commanda, elected with 259 votes.
• Celine Whiteduck, elected with 349 votes.

Decontie, Tenasco-Commanda, Tenasco, and Celine Whiteduck are newly elected, according to Dewache.

Outgoing chief Dylan Whiteduck (no relation) did not run for re-election after serving two terms.

Jean-Guy Whiteduck said he was ready to return to politics after recovering from cancer, and has been serving as a councillor for a few years. He said he felt he could "have a better impact on" certain issues as chief.

Whiteduck acknowledged some people might not return to politics after such a serious health setback, but he couldn't stay away.

"I like working for my community," he said. "It's been my whole life."

Clean water, accountability, new homes

During his campaign, Jean-Guy Whiteduck wrote he would bring his 40 years of experience to the new council "and guide them to ensure that Kitigan Zibi has an open, fair and transparent governance for all Band members."

His list of priorities includes building an Algonquin Language Learning Centre, extending Kitigan Zibi's water pipeline system, negotiating damages for flooding caused by Hydro Quebec, exploring a monthly per diem for elders and building at least 10 new homes per year.

Whiteduck also spoke to CBC about his community's health concerns over the Chalk River nuclear lab, which CBC confirmed in May dumped toxic sewage during peak fish-spawning season.

"We didn't understand why residents of Ottawa shouldn't be more concerned with a power plant up there and potential leaks, creating a dump close to the river," Whiteduck said. "That thing leaks in the water, it's not good for your health, and it could have serious impact on the health and welfare of everyone, native and non-native."

He said the community's concerns have been "pushed aside," so they're now looking into legal action, supporting Kebaowek First Nation which is taking the lead.

The new council began its term Sunday. Council terms last two years in Kitigan Zibi.