Leela Thomas has been re-elected Chief of Walpole Island First Nation (Bkejwanong Territory) for a second term, according to the official Statement of Votes from the band election held Saturday.
Thomas received 504 votes in the race for Chief, defeating five other candidates. Kennon M.L. Johnson finished second with 208 votes, followed by Daniel Miskokomon with 143 votes, Ronald A. (Ron) Sayed with 90 votes, Cody Miskokomon with 32 votes, and Hussein (Sayno) Sayed with five votes. Jason Sword had withdrawn from the race for Chief. A total of 982 valid ballots were cast for Chief, with 11 ballots rejected.
Twelve councillors were also elected to the Band Council. Lee Kicknosway led all councillor candidates with 417 votes, followed by Trenton Soney with 380 votes, Jason Sword with 377 votes, Larissa Wrightman with 392 votes, Valarie Waboose with 283 votes, Ava Williams with 310 votes, Kyle Dane (Frankie) Isaac with 296 votes, H. Carl Sr. Smith with 293 votes, Sharon Elaine Coyle with 288 votes, Matthew Nahdee with 282 votes, Charlene Altiman with 342 votes, and Jeffery Drew Isaac with 254 votes.
The full slate of elected councillors includes Charlene Altiman, Lee Kicknosway, Larissa Wrightman, Trenton Soney, Valarie Waboose, Jeffery Drew Isaac, Harmony Blackbird, Ava Williams, Kyle Dane (Frankie) Isaac, H. Carl Sr. Smith, Sharon Elaine Coyle and Jason Sword.
A total of 988 valid ballots were cast for councillor, with 17 ballots rejected. Robert R. Myers and Lyle Johnson had withdrawn from the race for councillor.
The count was conducted in accordance with the Indian Band Election Regulations, and the results were certified by Electoral Officer Vaughn Johnston on Sunday.
