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Erwin Elias elected Chair of Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
Tuktoyaktuk's Elias won out over six other candidates, including GNWT cabinet Minister Lucy Kuptana in voting on Tuesday
A former mayor of Tuktoyaktuk has been selected by directors as the new chairperson of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.
Erwin Elias, bested sitting GNWT cabinet Minister Lucy Kuptana — who is also from Tuk — in a final round of voting by Community Corporation directors on Tuesday.
The election process began with a live-streamed forum in Inuvik on Tuesday afternoon, as seven candidates made their case for the top job of the organization tasked with improving the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of the Inuvialuit through the implementation of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement.
Elias served as Tuktoyaktuk’s mayor from 2019 to 2025 and he focused on climate change, as his community is slowly falling into the Beaufort Sea as the coastline erodes.
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- Seven candidates for chair of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation during election of the the organization’s chairperson on Tuesday, January 20th, at the Midnight Sun Complex in Inuvik. The directors of the Inuvialuit Community Corporations were eligible to cast a vote. The IRC Chairperson is elected for a four-year term. (Image: IRC Livestream)
Elias noted he secured tens of millions of dollars in federal support to shore up the coastline.
A changing climate has also been blamed for the recent serious damage in Ulukhaktok from strong winds.
Elias also wants to focus on the younger generation, mental health, employment and housing programs.
Coincidentally, Kuptana is the territory’s Housing Minister and has had several positive results since the joining the 20th Legislative Assembly in the November 2023 election.
Elias is also in favour of dropping the decade-old federal government’s Arctic oil and gas moratorium.
Inuvik has suffered through heating fuel shortages this winter.
The IRC’s board includes all six elected directors from the Community Corporations from Aklavik, Inuvik, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Tuktoyaktuk and Ulukhaktok, and a chairperson, the latter assuming the responsibility of chief executive officer of the organization.
Premier R.J. Simpson congratulated Elias on his election, stating he has proven leadership experience and a strong connection to his community,
“I have had a positive working relationship with Mr. Elias in the past and look forward to continuing to work with him in his new capacity as Chair.
Simpson also recognized outgoing Chair Duane Smith, for his many years of leadership and advocacy on behalf of Inuvialuit.
Simpson also noted Minister Kuptana has resumed her role on the Executive Council with her portfolios of Housing and Status of Women portfolios.
In December, Kuptana stepped back from her work on an interim basis while she was a candidate for the IRC election to avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest.
On Thursday, Kuptana congratulated Elias on his successful candidacy.
“Participating in this process was important to me,” she stated in a release, “and I remain deeply committed to the wellbeing of Inuvialuit and our communities and look forward to collaborating with Erwin as he takes on this important role.
“I would like to reiterate my gratitude to everyone who supported my IRC Chairperson campaign and reached out with words of encouragement. I would also like to recognize the former IRC Chair and CEO Duane Ningaqsiq Smith for his ten years of service and leadership in support of Inuvialuit.”
UPDATED: January 22nd, with Kuptana’s statement.
