Inuvik (Dec 15/06) - The Inuvialuit Community Corporation has chosen Gayle Gruben to be the their new representative on the Inuvik town council.

The position has been vacant since October, when previous representative Shirley Kisoun's position expired.

The Inuvialuit Community Corporation chose Gayle Gruben in November to represent Inuvialuit at town council meetings. This is her second time serving as Inuvialuit representative. She has also served as a full councillor. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Gruben was chosen to be their voice on council at a meeting in late November.

"This is my third term on council," said Gruben.

Her first term began in 2002, when she served as Inuvialuit representative.

Then in 2004, she ran for a position as full councillor and won, serving a two year term.

Gruben did not run for re-election in the election held this past October.

"I wanted to step aside and be with my husband, for medical reasons," said Gruben.

Nearly a month after the election, the community corporation approached Gruben to sit on council once again.

"I talked it over with my husband and we agreed that it's important for me to be there," she said.

As the Inuvialuit representative, she reports back to the community corporation about recent meetings and issues.

She also brings forward concerns from the community corporation that may come from residents who do not wish to confront council on their own.

"In my experience, not a lot of the aboriginal community comes out to council meetings," said Gruben.

"I don't know why they aren't more involved, but they need a voice to make sure their concerns are being met."

Gruben looks forward to serving another term on council.

"This term will be a different experience," she said.

"Most of the councillors are new, including the mayor."

She was officially sworn in at the regular council meeting on Wednesday.