Walter Leo Friday is the new grand chief of Mushkegowuk Council.
Friday, who has previously served as the organization's deputy grand chief, was elected to the top seat in a close vote on Friday, Aug. 25.
The vote also saw Amos Wesley elected as deputy grand chief north. Natasha Martin was acclaimed as deputy grand chief south. All of the winners will serve a four-year term.
Three people were on the ballot vying to be grand chief.
Friday won with 365 votes, narrowly beating incumbent Alison Linklater, who had 359 votes. Ernest Beck had 275 votes. There were 45 spoiled ballots.
Wesley won by a wider margin with 370 votes.
The runner-up was Rebecca Friday with 204 votes, Sylvina Rickard had 169 votes, and Charlotte Nakoochee had 159. There were 33 spoiled ballots.
Mushkegowuk Council represents seven communities in Northern Ontario.
This is the first time two deputy grand chief positions are also being elected.
The deputy grand chief north will represent Fort Albany First Nation, Kashechewan First Nation, Moose Cree First Nation and Attawapiskat First Nation. The deputy grand chief south is for Chapleau Cree First Nation, Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Missinabie Cree First Nation in the south.
TimminsToday has reached out to Friday to talk about his election win. You can read about his priorities prior to the election here.
