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THEBACHA/FORT SMITH
It took two-and-a-half months from when the first votes were cast, but Salt River First Nation finally has a full council.

Judith gale: Elected as new councillor at Salt River First Nation.

On Dec. 5, Judith Gale won a runoff vote against Jeannie Marie-Jewell to take the last seat on council for the Fort Smith-based band.

Gale collected 150 votes, compared to the 101 for Marie-Jewell, a former Thebacha MLA and territorial cabinet minister.

In an election for six councillors in September, the count on election night determined Gale collected 99 votes for sixth place and Jeannie Marie-Jewell was just behind with 98 votes.

However, a recount later determined the two had tied with 99 votes each, which resulted in the runoff vote.

Gale is pleased and relieved to have won a two-year term on band council.

"I am thrilled, of course, and I am very humbled and thankful," she said. "The people have spoken."

However, on the day after the election, she noted any candidate has five days under the Salt River election code to file an appeal.

"After that five-day period, then I can breathe," Gale said.

After the September vote, Marie-Jewell requested a recount, but before that could take place she also appealed the election.

That delayed the recount until the appeal was heard and rejected.

Gale hopes the margin of her win in the runoff vote will mean there won't be another appeal, noting appeals and recounts are expensive for the First Nation.

Marie-Jewell declined to comment on the runoff election when contacted by News/North.

Gale had not run for elected office before.

"This is my absolute first time," she said. "It has been a learning experience."

The 47-year-old is currently studying in the teacher education program at Aurora College, after working for 10 years as an office administrator.

The runoff vote's turnout of 251 was from a base of about 620 eligible voters.

Polls were held in Fort Smith and Edmonton, and band members could also vote by mail-in ballot.

In September, the five other councillors elected were Connie Marie Benwell, Ronnie Schaefer, George Cumming, Olga Mansbridge and Joline Beaver.

Chief David Poitras took office by acclamation.

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