Kirk Dolphus was elected Ɂek’wahtı̨dǝ́ – meaning highest honest leader – of the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę government with a message of collaboration and change.
“We want to work together. Above all, you can hear it [at] just countless meetings that we want to work together,” said Dolphus.
He received 138 votes in this week’s election, defeating incumbent Danny Gaudet, who received 121.
In the short term, Dolphus said he wants to increase staff housing options, increase staff wages and benefits, and create strategies for recreation, housing and economic planning.
In the future, he wants to combat alcohol, drugs and Elder abuse in the community, encourage healthy living and build a swimming pool and recreation centre like the one in Hay River.
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He also aims to create an on-the-land treatment program just across Great Bear Lake, start using chipseal on the roads, build a new water treatment plant, relocate the power plant, and complete an airport extension.
“There are lots of goals, but we can do it. They’re attainable, but we just come up with a plan and work collectively, together,” said Dolphus.
Leeroy Andre, Roy Modeste, Tommy Betsidea, Leonard Kenny, Angelina Mackeinzo and Miles Taneton were elected as councillors in Wednesday’s election.
Gaudet, in a Thursday post to Facebook, congratulated Dolphus and the new council and thanked the outgoing council, Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę government staff and his family for their support “to do what we can to make Délı̨nę a better place for all.”
“Going forward, I will enjoy what time I may have taking on some exciting challenges,” said Gaudet.
Dolphus said he and the councillors begin their term on September 1.
