SHEGUIANDAH FIRST NATION—Voters in Sheguiandah First Nation were obviously looking for change in the slate of chief and council for the next term, as evidenced by the results of the elections held this past Saturday.
Jason R.K. Aguonie was elected as the new chief of Sheguiandah while the three council seats will be filled by Orville (Bugsy) Aguonie, Jake Agoneh and Carrie Waindubence. No incumbent members of council were re-elected in the election.
There was a total of five candidates in the running for chief. Jason R. K. Aguonie was elected as chief, having received 53 votes to outdistance incumbent Elvis Mishibinijima who received 48 votes. Nevada Waindubence garnered a total of 24 votes while Xoe Peltier-Roy and Ruby Thompson received 13 and 11 votes, respectively.
There were 140 valid ballots cast for chief, with no rejected ballots.
In the race for the three seats on council, Orville (Bugsy) Aguonie received 51 votes, with Jake Agoneh receiving 47 votes, and Carrie Waindubence receiving 45 votes. There were 10 other candidates for council. Alison Aguonie received 40 votes, Joanne Fox with 38, Nathan Shawanda with 35, Shalyne Thompson who received 34 votes, Emma Chokomoolin with 33 votes, Carolyn Pickford with 32, Matthew Waindubence with 28, Ruby Thompson with 26, Darren Shawanda with 14 and Lisa Sagutch with 11 votes.
There were 149 valid ballots cast for councillor, with no rejected ballots.
Chief and council will serve a two-year term.
Jason Aguonie recently returned to his home community with his four children and was welcomed with a nomination to run for chief of Sheguiandah First Nation, an honour he humbly accepted. Mr. Aguonie, who drives for AJ Bus Lines, has worked as a heavy equipment operator for the past 22 years.
In his campaign, he cited concerns with a lack of transparency, accountability and involvement in band membership in the decision-making processes as some of the key reasons he chose to run for the top job.
“This will change under my leadership with the direction of membership,” he said.
“The biggest issue at the moment is the disbursement of the annuities claim,” Mr. Aguonie said. “If elected chief, I will ensure that 100 percent of this settlement will be disbursed to our members, both on- and off-reserve.”
He will fight for Sheguiandah’s treaty rights and land claims (Heywood Island, the Lewis farm and French River No. 130).
“Community safety and more assistance for the elders and youth will be a priority,” he continued. “Further, the building of a new multi-purpose building will be pursued. This building will be centrally located and will meet the needs of our members for recreation and community gatherings.”
Mr. Aguonie said economic development needs to be Sheguiandah First Nation’s priority. “This will create employment and generate much-needed income for Sheguiandah First Nation members, development of our two farms (Charlton and Stoneman), building an industrial park and pursue tourism.”
He also hopes to create a new housing strategy to meet the new and changing needs of community members that includes building a new subdivision on the water tower hill. Further, “We will secure funding for an independent community living building for our elders.”
“Together, we can change how Sheguiandah First Nations tackles issues in a more positive and proactive approach,” Mr. Aguonie said.
