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