WIIKWEMKOONG—Changes are afoot in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory as a new chief and seven new councillors were elected Saturday.
The First Nation held its bi-annual election for the two-year term, naming Tim Ominika as the new chief. Mr. Ominika, a mental health and addictions specialist with the Anishinabek Nation, ran on a four-pillar platform: economic development and sovereignty; cultural preservation and revitalization; education and youth empowerment; and health and wellbeing. Mr. Ominika won with 418 votes, topping former chief Rachel Manitowabi by 58 of 1,050 eligible votes cast.
Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory elects one chief and 12 councillors for two years under the Indian Act’s electoral system. The community is working on implementing its own election law. In 2014, the First Nation ratified its constitution, Wiikwemkoong Gchi Naaknigewin, enshrining band members’ rights.
Wiikwemkoong has undergone significant changes as a new chief, Tim Ominika, and seven new councillors have been elected. The community holds elections for one chief and 12 councillors every two years. Additionally, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory has been making efforts to implement its own election laws.
Among the elected councillors, incumbent members Lorraine Fox (416 votes), Ralph Gonawabi (352 votes), Frances Mandamin (337), Lyle Peltier (354), and Marcia Trudeau Bomberry (306) were re-elected. Additionally, seven new councillors were elected to the council: John Dube (317), Bernadine Frances (452), Gerrilyn Manitowabi (321), Darcy Solomon (286), Mary Jo Wabano (387), Gladys Wakegijig (374), and Kevin Wassegijig (289).
