Nunavut's Inuit organizations gear up for Dec. 12 elections

Three NunavutInuit organizations Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), The Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and Kivalliq Inuit Association (KIA) are getting ready for elections on Dec.12.

On Friday, NTIannounced four candidates were vying for thepresidencyof Nunavut's land claims organization.

The officiallist includes incumbent Cathy Towtongieas well as Joe Kunuk, Levinia Brown and Aluki Kotierk.

QIA, representing Inuit in theQikiqtani(Baffin) Region, have announced anunofficial list of candidates.

The top position open in the election is vice president. IncumbentLarryAudlalukfromGriseFiordis squaring off againstOlayukAkesuk,who has just completed his term as CapeDorset'scommunity director, for the position.

The position of secretary-treasurer at QIA is uncontested with Joe Attagutaluk as the only candidate.

Other positions up for grabsinclude community directors for Arctic Bay, Cape Dorset, Grise Fiord, Qikiqtarjuaq, Pangnirtung and Resolute Bay. The nomination period for Resolute Bay has been extended until Nov. 10 due to weather conditions.

The official list of QIA candidates will be announced today at 6 pm.

5 positions at KIA

KIA, which represents Inuit living in the Kivalliq Region,is also heading to the polls.

By the end of day Monday, only Donna Adams had put her name forward to run assecretary treasurer. David Kuksukwas the sole person nominated as community director for Arviat and Thomas Elytookwas the sole person nominated as community director for Baker Lake.

Two other community director positions will be contested.

In Chesterfield Inlet, the four nominees includeHarry Aggark, Solomon Autut, Peter KattegatsiakSr. and Jimmy Krako.

In Coral Harbour, the nominees includeHanna Angutialuk, Erksultuk Eetuk, Solomon Nakoolak and Willie Nakoolak.