Tłı̨chǫ members head to the polls on Monday to choose between Clifford Daniels and Jackson Lafferty as their next grand chief.
Incumbent Lafferty was first elected in late 2021, defeating Eddie Erasmus and George Mackenzie after resigning as Monfwi MLA to pursue the position of grand chief.
Daniels served four terms as Behchokǫ̀’s chief before Bertha Rabesca Zoe assumed that position after defeating him in June’s election.
Whoever wins will serve a four-year term.
Online voting took place earlier this month. In-person voting on Monday takes place from 9am until 8pm according to a website dedicated to the election.
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Tłı̨chǫ citizens can vote if they were at least 18 years old as of Sunday and have lived in Mǫwhı̀ Gogha Dè Nı̨ı̨tłèè (traditional Tłı̨chǫ territory) for at least two years. There are some exceptions for absences related to “medical, incarceration, education, or similar reasons.”
Polling stations on Monday are located in the following places:
- Behchokǫ̀: Kǫ̀ Gocho Sportsplex gymnasium
- Gamètì: Community hall
- Wekweètì: Council chamber
- Whatì: Cultural centre
- Yellowknife: Tree of Peace Friendship Centre
2021’s election was the first time voters for grand chief had been able to cast their ballots online.
Turnout in 2021 was 66 percent. That year, 1,687 people voted. Lafferty was the 2021 winner with 795 votes.
