Gwich'in Tribal Council members elect new chief

Gwich'in Tribal Council members in the N.W.T. have elected a new grand chief, according to preliminary results posted Monday night.

Frederick Blake Jr., also known as Sonny Blake,defeated incumbent Ken Kyikavichik.

Blake Jr. received 604 votesto Kyikavichik's515.

Kyikavichik had been serving as grand chief since 2020.

Blake Jr. is a former MLA for the Mackenzie Delta and most recently served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in the 19th assembly.He lost his seat in the 2023 election.

Blake Jr. and Kyikavichikwere the only two candidates to run for grand chief.

The Gwich'in Tribal Council represents members in the Gwich'in settlement area, whichincludes Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik and Inuvik.