Walpole Island First Nation has welcomed its newly sworn-in Chief and Council for the 2026-2028 term following a swearing-in ceremony held for the community.
Leela Thomas was sworn in as Chief, alongside councillors Jason Sword, Kyle Isaac, Carl Smith Sr., Jeffery Isaac, Ava Williams, Valarie Waboose, Sharon Coyle, Trenton Soney, Charlene Altiman, Larissa Wrightman, Harmony Blackbird and Lee Kicknosway.
The community thanked everyone who came out to the ceremony to welcome in the new Chief and Council.
Thomas was re-elected for a second term after 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 Jason Sword had withdrawn from the race for Chief.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.
A total of 988 valid ballots were cast for councillor, with 17 ballots rejected.
The count was conducted in accordance with the Indian Band Election Regulations, and the results were certified by Electoral Officer Vaughn Johnston on Sunday.
