Gwich’in Tribal Council elects grand chief, deputy grand chief

Kenny Smith and Kristine McLeod are the newly elected leaders.


The Gwich'in Tribal Council offices in Inuvik. (CKLB file photo).

Gwich’in Tribal Council election results reveal Kenny Smith will serve as grand chief and Kristine McLeod as deputy grand chief.

The preliminary election results provided by chief returning officer Mary Ann Villeneuve found Smith was elected after receiving 611 of the 1,024 ballots cast.

His competitor, Richard John Blake, received 413 votes.

McLeod was elected after receiving 551 votes of the 1,038 ballots cast.

Her competitor, Richard Nerysoo, received 487 votes.

Smith is replacing Bobbie Jo Greenland-Morgan, who served one term as grand chief of the Gwich’in Tribal Council.

Greenland-Morgan says she decided to not seek re-election for family reasons.

About the Author

Luke Carroll
Luke Carroll is a journalist originally from Brockville, Ont. He has previously worked as a reporter and editor in Ottawa, Halifax and New Brunswick. Luke is a graduate of Carleton University's bachelor of journalism program. If you have a story idea, feel free to send him an email at luke.carroll@cklbradio.com