Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Monday, June 4, 2007

ARCTIC RED RIVER - After nearly 11 years in office as Tsiigehtchic's Gwich'ya Gwich'in Chief, Peter Ross is stepping down.

But he's not retiring just yet - he will be running for office in the hamlet as a councillor.

"There is too much travelling," he said of being chief.

"It's time to stay home, relax and enjoy the grandchildren."

Nominations for elected posts in the hamlet officially closed May 24, and three people have put their names forward to succeed Ross.

The candidates are Russel Andre, Philip Blake and Frederick "Sonny" Blake Jr.

"I think it's good to have new blood," said Ross.

Hamlet returning officer Anna May Macleod said the original nomination deadline was May 14.

However, this had to be postponed because too few candidates initially stepped forward.

Ross said the plan worked, and the elections are no longer in trouble.

"I think they're coming forward now. We had the nominations extended, and I think all of a sudden people are coming out," he said.

Tsiigehtchic's elections will cover seven hamlet posts and the role of Chief.

They are set to be held June 18, and advance ballots will be available as of June 11.

Watch for more in upcoming editions of News/North.