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ENTERPRISE - Three generations of one family are serving on Enterprise Hamlet Council, which is perhaps a first for the NWT.

When John Leskiw III was appointed to council on Feb. 18, he joined his father, John Leskiw II, and his grandmother, Anne Leskiw, as a representative for the municipal government.

Three generations of the Leskiw family serve on the Enterprise Hamlet Council including, from left, John Leskiw III, John Leskiw II and Anne Leskiw. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

However, the Leskiws say they have no intention of voting as a bloc to try to control council, even though they recognize there is some concern about that in the community.

"It's my initial concern that people are going to look at this and say the Leskiws are going to take over," said 30-year-old John III, who will be sworn into his council seat later this month.

His 52-year-old father agrees the family won't vote as a bloc and won't be playing God on council.

"I can't see us being a group like that," said John II, who has been on council for almost two years.

"It's almost insulting that people would suggest that," he said, adding there have already been instances in which he voted differently than his mother.

Anne Leskiw is surprised some people worry the Leskiws would vote together on issues.

"I never thought people think that way," she said.

John II said the family has nothing to gain financially by being on council.

The three Leskiws, along with Anne's partner Karl Mueller, fill four seats on council, which consists of eight councillors and a mayor.

Anne Leskiw, 72, is a retired nurse, while her son co-owns and operates a café and her grandson has a computer repair business and creates websites.

John III said he has been doing a computer search to find another example in Canada of three generations serving on a municipal council, but hasn't found one yet.

The family said they would be interested to hear from anyone who knows if any other such councils exist

Neither of the Leskiws had any experience with municipal politics until they moved to Enterprise.

"I was always interested in it," said John III, who served on student councils in high school and college. "I never felt I was qualified to be in a bigger group until recently."

Anne Leskiw, who has lived in Enterprise since 1988, has been on council on and off for eight years.

John II and his son have lived in the community for about four years.

All three Leskiws said they want to make a positive difference for the community by serving on council.

John II said he wants to help see Enterprise grow, adding he believes the community has great potential. "To me, it's a waste to take such potential and throw it away."

If some people are concerned about so many family members serving on the same council, he said they can run for council themselves in the next election set for November.

Anne and John III are uncertain if they will run in November, while John II said he will probably run again, possibly for mayor.