Frederick Blake Jr will be the Gwich’in Tribal Council’s grand chief for the next four years after defeating Ken Kyikavichik in Monday’s election.
Tsiigehtchic-based Blake, known as Sonny, received 604 votes to Kyikavichik’s 515 according to preliminary results posted by the chief returning officer.
The two were the only candidates for the role. Kyikavichik was the incumbent, having served as grand chief since 2020, while Blake was formerly the Mackenzie Delta MLA for three terms from 2011 to 2023.
Blake had promised to listen to members and attempt to unite the communities following division between some designated Gwich’in organizations and the GTC.
Monday represented a chance to vote in person for the next grand chief after earlier opportunities to vote online or by absentee ballot. Polls closed at 8pm.
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This year’s Gwich’in Annual Assembly is scheduled to take place later this week at Aklavik’s Moose Kerr School.
The Gwich’in Tribal Council represents residents of the four Gwich’in settlement communities: Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtchic, Aklavik and Inuvik.
