IQALUIT
With the top two leadership positions held by its people, Grise Fiord, with a population 148 according to 2013 municipal statistics, is punching above its weight in the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.

PJ Akeeagok appeared on the radio in Arctic Bay during his campaign. Originally from Grise Fiord, Akeeagok joins fellow Grise Fiord resident Larry Audlaluk to lead the Qikiqtani Inuit Association after a recount declared him the winner. - photo courtesy of PJ Akeeagok

PJ Akeeagok was declared president Dec. 14 after a recount, and Larry Audlaluk remains vice-president after placing third in the presidential election.

"It's quite an exciting time for (Grise Fiord)," Akeeagok said. "It always has produced solid folks who are in positions of influence. I think it's that determination, especially when you're from a small community. You don't have the luxuries of having what the bigger centres usually have. Being resourceful, being sure you have that drive to succeed."

Heading into the recount, Akeeagok trailed frontrunner Mikidjuk Akavak 758-755. But once the recount was finished, the official result reversed those positions, handing Akeeagok a two-vote win, 756-754.

"At that point you didn't know which way it was going to go," Akeeagok said. "The margin was too close. I had the luxury of losing and winning in the same election."

Akavak disputed the need for a recount last week, saying Akeeagok and Audlaluk were ineligible candidates due to their positions in QIA. Akeeagok went into the election as assistant executive director and Audlaluk was vice-president. Both had taken unpaid leave from their jobs to run in the election, QIA confirmed.

"I was declared the winner in the official recount," Akeeagok said. "Both parties had the opportunity to be present in the recount or have a representative and I chose to have a representative there on my behalf. At this point, I'm just waiting for the report from the CRO (chief returning officer) and make sure the recommendations are implemented through board meetings or the AGM."

Akeeagok resigned from his previous job upon learning of his victory. He's looking forward to working Audlaluk and the rest of the executive and board.

"I think it's the best possible outcome you could think of," he said of the pairing, noting his youth and education paired with Audlaluk's experience. "Larry has a very long history of governance as a board member, so I think you get the best of the two worlds coming in. But it's not just me and him. It's a really strong team and I'm optimistic about the coming years."

Akeeagok takes over as president on Jan. 1.

"I'm excited and eager to start. The whole election process was fascinating. I got to meet so many incredible people that helped me and believed in me as we were going."

His priority is to make QIA relevant to beneficiaries.

"The one thing that kept being echoed to me, there's always plenty of promises that people make that not all are implemented or carried on with," he said, noting discussions with residents as he toured the communities.

"The priorities should come from the people instead."

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