PEHDZEH KI/WRIGLEY - Members of the Pehdzeh Ki First Nation re-elected Tim Lennie as chief by the narrowest margin possible in last week's election.

Lennie received 25 votes in the Dec. 10 election. Albert Moses, the incumbent candidate, garnered 24 votes. The other two candidates were David Moses with nine votes and Lloyd Moses with six.

The shake-up of the band's leadership continued in the council results. Angus Ekenale was the only member of the previous council to win a seat in this election.

Of the six elected councillors Sarah Lennie is the only one with no previous experience on council.

A total of 66 members cast ballots during the election.

Despite the narrow victory over Albert Moses, Lennie said the leadership change has gone smoothly.

There hasn't been any negative feedback so far, Lennie said. Some residents have approached the new council members and wished them well, he said.

"We have the support of the members," said Lennie.

Lennie, who's been the chief of the First Nation in Wrigley a number of times, said it feels like he's never left the position.

"I feel great. It really surprised me. I didn't think I had a chance," said Lennie about being elected.

The new chief and council were officially sworn in on during a meeting Dec. 14.

The first order of business was the band's financial standing - including an uncommon decision to reduce council's pay.

Councillors decided because the band isn't financially sound, they should reduce the honorariums they receive for attending meetings.

"They made a commitment today to walk the talk," Lennie said.

With the holidays fast approaching, the new leadership won't have time to do much more before the new year, said Lennie. Items that will be addressed quickly in January include filling empty staff positions in the band office, including the senior administrative officer's post. There are also plans to hold the first public meeting in mid-January.

"I look forward to the new year when the members will have an opportunity to participate in the discussion," said Lennie.

The chief-elect said he is committed to serving his three-year term but will need the community's help to do so.

"I'll do the best I can but the only way I can do my job is if I get direction," he said.

Members need to provide feedback and they can do that by attending public meetings. Lennie said he wants to give members the chance to express their thoughts and aspirations.

In the long term the council wants to bring more services to the community and more cultural activities including feasts, gatherings and drum dances. One of Lennie's personal goals is to get training modules in place for the youth in the community who are no longer in school, so they can get some trade experience.

In the end everything will come down to the will of the people, said Lennie.

"I take direction from my council and members," he said.