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TTHEK'EHDELI/HEAN MARIE RIVER - Isadore Simon is the new chief of the Jean Marie River First Nation.

Simon was acclaimed to the position after no one else submitted their name for the Aug. 20 elections. Although he's pleased to be entrusted with this responsibility, Simon said he didn't actively seek out the role.

The position of chief was left vacant after Stan Sanguez, the former chief, was removed by a vote of non-confidence on June 14 during the band's annual general meeting. After a few other people declined the role, Simon said he was asked to take on the role of acting chief.

Simon said no to the offer the first time, but changed his mind after his wife Lucy urged him to accept. After more than a month as the acting chief, when the election was called someone put Simon's name forward.

"I said just leave it there, we'll see how it goes," said Simon.

News about his acclamation to the full position of chief has spread quickly.

"Everyone congratulates me no matter where I go," he said.

Being chief, however, could conflict with his job as the superintendent for the Northwest Territories Power Corp.'s power plant in the community, he said. Simon said he will wait to discuss the issue with the band council once it's elected. The election for six council members is scheduled for Sept. 2. Until then, Simon said he has already identified some issues that he would like to address in the community.

Near the top of his list is the band's sawmill. Simon said he would like to get the sawmill running to create jobs and economic opportunities.

The lumber that has been sitting in the yard needs to be cut up, he said.

Simon also wants to push to have the remediation project at Checkpoint finished.

Having lived in Jean Marie River for more than 30 years, Simon said he has watched past chiefs and knows what can be done. Simon, who is originally from Fort Resolution, has been a band councillor for a number of terms. This is his first time as chief.

Simon said he's going to start by addressing one project at a time to build confidence in his leadership.

"I'm kind of starting out slow and doing one thing at a time," he said.