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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
If there was ever any doubt whether a single vote could make a difference, last night's election for Ndilo chief is all the proof you need.

Ernest Betsina is congratulated by Harvey Field from Ndilo after being elected chief by a single vote over his closest competitor, Shirley Tsetta, on Tuesday. - Cody Punter/NNSL photo

Ernest Betsina, a former Yellowknives Dene band councillor who served in the late 1980s and early 1990s, was elected chief with 122 votes, giving him a one vote margin over his closest rival Shirley Tsetta, who received 121 votes. Acting chief Roy Erasmus Sr. came in third place with 108 votes.

"People have lost trust in council, I need to gain that back again," said Betsina, in a speech to a crowd of around 100 people who waited at the Ndilo gym until after 11 p.m. to hear the election results announced. "I tried to run an honest campaign and I did."

Much of Betsina's campaign focused on his desire to restore people's faith in Ndilo's leadership. Public faith in Ndilo's government has wavered ever since former chief Ted Tsetta was ousted by the Yellowknives band council last summer, after Tsetta signed a letter sent to Stephen Harper alleging corruption and financial mismanagement by the band and Dettah Chief Ed Sangris. Tsetta subsequently filed a lawsuit against council claiming wrongful dismissal, which is still pending.

"These issues cannot be hidden anymore," said Betsina, who invoked the support of the elders, council, and the people.

"There's going to be some tough decisions, but if you guys support me, I will find the answers. That I will promise you," he told the crowd.

Betsina's supporters agreed he was the was best suited to fix the public's perception of Ndilo's leadership.

"I think we all need change," said Karen Makynen. She said the former band councillor has a good relationship with the youth and elders in the community and believes his leadership is "going to be a positive change."

"He's young, he's well-educated, I'm glad he won." added elder Harvey Field.

George Martin, who has known Betsina for 55 years, believes Betsina is well-suited for the job.

"He knows what he's doing," he said, adding, "there will be some changes around here for sure."

After he was announced as the winner, an emotional Betsina took time to thank his family, the candidates, and his supporters.

Betsina also reserved a special thanks for his mother who has helped him to stay sober since he quit drinking two years ago.

"Everyday I go see her for advice and counselling. She makes me strong," Betsina told the crowd, who responded with a spirited round of applause.

Betsina told Yellowknifer he does not want to get into the specifics of his objectives before Monday, when he is expected to take over as chief. He did say, however, holding public meetings on sensitive issues, such as the Ted Tsetta affair, is at the top of his list. Betsina added he would like to see Ndilo become more independent of the Dettah-dominated band council.

While he wants the chiefs of Ndilo and Dettah to continue to work together, he wants the chief of Ndilo to have a full authority over own his staff, budget, and infrastructure.

"Not just for myself, but for future chiefs," said Betsina.

For the time being, though, Betsina is relishing his victory and getting ready to move forward as chief.

"2013, I had a funny feeling this would be a good year for me - lucky 13."

Betsina believes that under his leadership Ndilo, "can become a strong First Nations again, like we were in years past."

The results of the election remain preliminary until the appeal period is closed. Tsetta has already told Yellowknifer of her intention to appeal the decision based on the proxy and mail-in votes.

"I called the returning officer and told her that I'm putting in an appeal," said Tsetta early Wednesday morning.

Returning officer Lynda Comerford couldn't say when the appeal process would be complete when reached for comment on Thursday.

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