NUNAVUT - Nunavummiut will head to the polls Dec. 13 to elect councillors, mayors and district education authority representatives. While the positions are contested in some areas, in others candidates were acclaimed due to a low number of nominations.

Baffin Region

Arctic Bay

There are some highly active community members vying for the four open councillor positions.

Looking to land one of those seats is Esau Tatatuapik, who is the current chairman of the drug and alcohol committee as well as the ditrcit education authority; Sarah Issigaitok, a former member of the board of directors for the Arctic Bay Housing Association; and Noah Qaqqasiq. Others in the running are councillors Sakiasie Qaunaq, Mary Attagutaluk, Olayuk Naqitarvik and Geela Arnauyumayuq, who served as mayor a couple of years ago.

"Voters are looking for accountability and someone who can address community concerns," said Anna Qaunaq, assistant senior administrative officer and finance officer for the hamlet.

She said each councillor is given a portfolio and sits as chair for one of the following community organizations - the health committee, the recreation committee, the search and rescue committee and the Attasuvaguuq radio station.

There will also be councillors who sit on the DEA, the hunters and trappers organization and the drug and alcohol committee.

Mayor Niore Iqalukjuak will stay on for another term.

"The mayor and councillors work as a team to carry responsibilities forward," said Qaunaq.

Cape Dorset/Kinngait

One of the issues the new council will face is the establishment of a new power plant, something the community has been working on for a long time, said Olayuk Akesuk, the hamlet's senior administrative officer.

"Land is an issue and once we finish dealing with the land issue, we'll go on from there," he said. "We're looking forward (to) that new power plant in our community and it will benefit our community."

The community has close to 700 registered voters. In the last municipal election, voter turnout was 40 per cent.

Running for one of the four council seats are Art Stewart, Ejesiak Peter, Joe Taukie, Qimmiataq Nungusuituq, Teevee Qiatsuq, Kovianaqtuliaq Takpaungai and Zeke Egesiak.

For the district education authority, in the running are Kelly Quppapik, Kovianaqtuliaq Takpaungai, Kristiina Alariaq, Mary Kellypalik, Ningeoseak Peter, Nuvalinga Kingwatsiak, Qabbawaq Qatsiya and Zeke Ejesiak.

Clyde River

Employment, recreation programs for youth and the preservation of the Inuit language are all key issues in the upcoming election, said Troy Jenkins, senior hamlet administration officer.

Many of those who have submitted their names have run for council and sat on council before. They include incumbents Jayko Apak and Poasie Palluq; Jayko Ashevak, who has had previous council experience; Jerry Natanine, a businessman who has been involved in community activities and is a strong supporter of the Piqqusilirivvik cultural learning facility set to be done in January; Letia Aipellee and Loseosie Paneak.

As to how voter turnout will go, Jenkins said he is not sure.

The hamlet is also electing members for their district education authority. There are seven spots open and eight candidates. Running are Geela Aipellee, Loseeosee Aipellee, Jayko Apak, Elizabeth Enuaraq, Josie Enuaraq, Jacob Jaypoody, Terry Kalluk and Gordon Kautuk.

Grise Fiord

The election of the members for the Iviq Hunters and Trappers Organization seems to be drawing more attention than the elections for the district education authority or the hamlet council.

"We've got more interest for it," said Marty Kuluguqtuq, assistant senior administration officer.

The HTO has seven members. Chair Jaypetee Ageeagok and members Kuluguqtuq, Asaqjuk Ningiuk and Charlie Noah have one year remaining.

In contention for the three remaining seats are Imooshie Nutarajuk, Larry Audlaluk, Joepee Kiguktak and Annie Audlaluk.

For the council elections, Kuluguqtuq said four seats were open and only Laisa Audlaluk-Watsko and Kamiga Noah were nominated, resulting in their being acclaimed.

Mayor Meeka Kiguktak has one year left in her term as do councillors Mosha Kiguktak and Inger-Lise Christensen. The council will appoint two other individuals to sit as councillors in the New Year.

Anne Akeeagok was the only one to submit her name for the DEA election. Liza Ningiuk, Geela Qaapik and Minnie Killiktee will sit for another year and three more members will be appointed to the authority in January.

"It seems to be a trend over the last few years with lack of interest and people (running) for the boards and agencies," said Kuluguqtuq.

Iglulik

The new council will have to tackle a 25-year community plan and address road conditions in general, said Celestino Uyarak, assistant senior administrative officer in Iglulik.

Eleven people are vying for the four council seats. They are John Illupalik, Nicolas Arnatsiaq, Celina Irngaut, Joe Immaroitok, Neeve Uttak, Eric Nutarariaq, Steve Sarpinak, Elisapi Quassa, Zacharias Kunuk, Joe Atagutaaluk and Louie Uttak.

Kimmirut

The 227 eligible voters in the community will have decisions to make when it comes to electing the members of the district education authority.

Seven seats are open and nine people are running, said Soudloo Kootoo, the returning officer. They are Saqiqtaq Temela, Mikidjuk Lyta, Mark Pitsiulak, Maliktoo Lyta, Kipanik Arlooktoo, Josie Lyta, Joe Arlooktoo, Jeannie Padluq and Nakashuk Michael.

Those who submitted their names for council were acclaimed: Maliktoo Lyta, Mary Sagiaktuk, Joe Arlooktoo, Qinnuayuaq Pudlat and Josie Lyta.

Mayor Jamesie Kootoo will stay on for another term as will councillors Itee Temela, Akulujuk Judea and Mikidjuk Kolola.

A vote was not required for the Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers Organization as all four candidates were acclaimed: Josephie Padluq, Kipanik Arlooktoo, Koloola Pitsiulak and Sandy Akavak.

Mikidjuk Kolola will stay on as chair as will members Temela Okpik, Saqiqtaq Temela and Loolie Padluq.

In the last election Kootoo said more than half of the eligible voters voted.

"I hope it is that good again," he said.

Pangnirtung

Once the successful candidates in the election for hamlet council are elected they must do some things first before they can officially start their duties.

"We give them very good orientation and training before they sit in the council seats," said Mayor Sakiasie Sowdlooapik.

Seven candidates have put their names forward including incumbents Sheila Kilabuk and Steve Komoartok. Timeosie Alivaktuk, Seemee Angmarlik and Levi Evic all have previous experience on council. Throwing their names in the hat as well are Solomonie Nauyuk, a board member on the district education authority and the hunter and trappers organization, and Joanasie Karpik.

Four individuals will be elected and Sowdlooapik said he is looking forward to working with whoever wins.

"It is about working together for the community to make a difference," he said.

Pangnirtung's population is more than 1,300, and depending on the weather, Sowdlooapik said he expects 300 to 400 people to turn out and vote.

Pond Inlet

The race is on to find Pond Inlet's next mayor.

Four individuals have submitted their names -- Jaykolasie Killiktee, Abraham Kublu, Peter Aglak and Cornelius Nutarak.

Killiktee was appointed mayor after Kublu resigned in June mainly due to health problems. Kublu has served as mayor for two terms.

"He is bilingual and that could be seen as a strength," said Mike Richards, senior administrative officer.

Aglak is also a former mayor, while Nutarak has been appointed to council several times.

Due to the size of the community, Richards said candidates don't campaign on issues and he said he thinks voters will look to their past performances.

"People are looking for leadership who will respond to community issues, and elected officials who they feel proud of," he said.

Candidates have already been speaking on the local radio.

Richards said issues the new mayor will have to deal with will include replacing the ball field and continuing dialogue with Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation on the Mary River iron mine project.

Israel Mablick had submitted his name earlier in the nomination period but later withdrew from the election.

Qausuittuq/Resolute

One of the biggest challenges for Resolute's new council will be deal with the aging utilidor system, said Martha Kalluk, the hamlet's senior administrative officer.

"We've been having problems with our water leaking for almost a couple of years now," she said. "The hamlet is using a lot of money to pay for power and fuel while the water is just going down to the pond."

Some 113 people are eligible to vote and participation rate during an election last year was 60 per cent.

Eight people are running for one of the four councillor positions: Wayne Davidson, Mavis Manik, Zipporah Kalluk-Aronsen, Murray Balsom, Kantisse Idlout, Tabitha Mullin, Louisa Gillispe and Brenda Eckalook.

Qikiqtarjuaq

After one year in the position, the hamlet's mayor, Hannah Audlakiak, has stepped down from her post and will sit as a councillor. She served in the position from 2009 to 2010.

She will be replaced by the only person who submitted their name for the job - Loasie Audlakiak. He was mayor from 2008 to 2009.

Five candidates put their names forward to be councillors. Jeanie Kooneeliusie, Lootie Kakudluk, Jacopie Newkingnak, Hannah Audlakiak and Meleah Nookiguak were all acclaimed.

"Most of us have been on council before," said Hannah Audlakiak.

Sanikiluaq

Voters in the community might be thinking about electing a younger candidate in this year's election for council, said Johnnie Cookie, returning officer.

"Maybe someone more modern," he said.

Candidates include incumbents Rynie Audla, Harry Sala and Johnny Tookalook.

Also running is Mina Inuktaluk, who has sat on council before, and former mayor in 2008 Elijah Sala.

Cookie said once elected the councillors will have to concentrate on social issues and continue working on ongoing projects which the hamlet has started including getting the water pumphouse replaced.

Voter turnout in the last election was just over 50 per cent for a population of just over 1,000 people.

Mayor Joe Arragutainaq still has another year left to serve in his term.

Sanirajak/Hall Beach

Road and building infrastructure are some of the issues the new council will face, said Anne Curley, the hamlet's senior administrative officer. She added they are looking at building new residential units.

"There's a lack of housing, like in any other community," she said.

Running for the four vacant council seats, are Christine Kanatsiak, Connie Arvaluk, David Iqittuq, Elijah Kaernerk, Elijah Kuppaq, David Kanatsiak, Jeffrey Duchene, Jopie Kaernerk, Solomon Qanatsiaq, Peter Kadlutsiak, Peter Siakuluk, Solomon Ullluapak and Valerie Curley.

Kitikmeot Region

Ikaluktutiak/Cambridge Bay

There will be no election in Cambridge Bay as only four people ran for the four available seats. Jessie Lyall, Tara Rutherford, Shane Sather and Kam So were acclaimed as councillors.

Cambridge Bay Mayor Syd Glawson said they will have to learn quickly the problems the community is confronting, such as alcohol, and they must learn to plan for the coming of the High Arctic Research Station.

"There's a big opportunity in Cambridge Bay right now and that is with the coming of Canadian High Arctic Research Station," he said.

"We've got to plan for it and they've got to be willing to jump into the fray right away and try and learn as much as they can about what we're up against, what we're planning and how quickly we have to move in order to make sure that we're ready for this."

Glawson said he believes this is the first time in the hamlet the councillors ahve been acclaimed. The mayor has been acclaimed before.

Kugaaruk/Pelly Bay

There will be no election as only four people put their names forward for the five councillor positions. Acclaimed were Barthelemy Nirlungayuk, Leona Apsaktaun, Canute Krejunark and Ovide Alaknnuark.

The new council will face budget deliberations right from the start, said Andre Larabie, the hamlet's senior administrative officer, as well as other projects including repairing the DEW Line road as the bridge almost got washed away last year. He added the hamlet is looking at building a rest area past that bridge so elders can rest and have a cup of tea.

The hamlet will also request funding for a Zamboni and get the ball rolling on the new hamlet building, said Larabie. He added they are considering bringing back the economic development officer position.

Kugluktuk/Coppermine

Kugluktuk has plans for projects in the new year but Don Leblanc, the hamlet's senior administrative officer, said he's not ready to talk about them. That's something the incoming council will have to deal with as the regular issues of the hamlet, he added.

There will be no election also as all the candidates were acclaimed. The new councillors are Larry Adjun, Dustin Fredlun, Sven Kerkovius, Grant Newman and James Algona.

Taloyoak/Spence Bay

The incoming hamlet council will continue working on the major construction projects in the community, said senior administrative officer Chris Dickson. He said those include completing a new water plant and access roads to the community's cultural grounds.

"We will be continuing the new hamlet office construction," he said. "In 2011, we are looking to create a carving studio ... where our hamlet office is now. We are moving into Phase 2 of the community plan, which includes surveying lots in the community and doing a street name and numbering system. There will be renovations to the community hall and arena. The swimming pool for youth is going under a complete retrofit."

Vying for the mayor's chair is David Igutsaq, incumbent John Charles Lyall, Jayko Neeveacheak, Joe Tulurialik Ashevak and Tommy Aiyout. Six people are running for the four councillor seats. They are Gideon Qauqjuaq, Johnny Kootook, Shawna Kootook, Sarah Takolik, Michael Aleekee and David Igutsaq.

Uqsuqtuuq/Gjoa Haven

The community is looking at getting caller ID and cell phone service, issues the incoming council will have to address, said Enuk Pauloosie, the hamlet's senior administrative officer.

"The council is always after caller ID for the community because of the number of crank calls and people calling other houses even during night when people are sleeping. You can't tell who is calling because we don't have caller ID. This has been going on for years," he said. "We're going to keep fighting for it because the community needs it and they want it bad. We're going to try and tackle it down one way or the other."

Several other issues include finishing the breakwater, a project still not completed because of the lack of big boulders in the community, described as sandy by Pauloosie. Dealing with the non-directional beacon and the renovation of the hamlet office are other issues, he added.

"The hamlet council would like to see a brand new building put up for hamlet office because ... the community outgrew the building," said Pauloosie. "We have several hamlet employees under different roofs. We'd like to have everybody in one building but the (hamlet) offices are not big enough."

Some 640 people are registered to vote. The participation rate in the last election was 32 per cent. Vying to become the mayor are Allen Aglukkaq, Paul Ikuallaq and incumbent Joanni Sallerina. Vying for one of the four councillor seats are Willie Aglukkaq, Michael Angutittauruq Sr., Donald Angoyoak, Teddy Carter, Susan Hillier, Megan Porter and Jane Putuguq.

Kivalliq Region

Arviat

Candidates for mayor:

Bob Leonard (incumbent)

David Alagalak

Candidates for council (five seats):

Elizabeth Copland

Joshua Curley

Steve England

Paul K. Irksuk

Airo Pameolik

Joe Savikataaq Sr.

Peter Shamee

Lenny Thompson

Billy Ukutak

Gleason Uppahuak

Baker Lake

Candidates for mayor:

David Aksawnee (acclaimed)

Candidates for council (five seats):

Thomas Anirniq

George Arnalukjuak

Kenny Hachey

Martin Kreelak

Obrian Kydd

Simeon Mikkungak

Barb Mueller

Valerie Pudnak

Joe Scottie

Jeff Seeteenak

Eric Tagoona

Greg Tapatai

Frank Tootoo

Marianne Uqayuittuq

Chesterfield Inlet

Candidates for mayor:

Harry Aggark

Johnny Amarook

Leonie Mimialik

Candidates for council (four seats):

Barney Aggark

Douglas Aggark

Mark Amarok

Jeela Aqatsiaq

Valerie Ipkarnerk

Titi Kadluk

Peter Kattegatsiak

Lorna Kreelak

Casimil Kriturdluk

Leo Mimialik

Roy Mullins

Ben Putulik

Leonard Putulik

Rene Tautu

Coral Harbour

Candidates for council (five seats):

Arthur Angootealuk

Susie Angootealuk

Marvin Dion

Leonie Duffy

Erksuktuk Eetuk

Noah Kadlak

Louisa Kalai

Bonnie Nakoolak

Cindy Ningeongan

Joe Netser

Lizzie Noah

Jerry Paniyuk

Natuk Paniyuk

Saanaq Pee

Ray Pudlat

Benita Shapangak

Rosie Tanuyak Ell

Repulse Bay

Candidates for mayor:

Donat Milortok (incumbent)

Hugh Haqpi

John Kaunak

Peter Mannik

Candidates for council (five seats):

Michael Akkuardjuk

Michael Aklunark

David Ammaq

Richard Angotialuk

Hugh Haqpi

Leo Ijjanqiaq

Bernadette Katokra

Charlene Kidlapik

Elizabeth Kidlapik

Sata Kidlapik

Peter Mannik

Marcel Mapsalak

Simeoni Natseck

Mary Tuktudjuk

Whale Cove:

Candidates for mayor:

Bob Leonard (incumbent)

David Alagalak

Candidates for council (seven seats):

Andrew Alikashuak

Makki Angoo

Agetha Ekwalak

Mary Jones Kritterdlik

Roy Kritterdlik

Susie Kritterdlik

Gerard Maktar

Jackie Napayok

Leonard Teenar

Sarah Voisey

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