Newly elect Chair Erwin Elias has stepped into his new leadership role at Inuvialuit Regional Corporation after winning the election, held yesterday at the Midnight Sun Complex in Inuvik.
In a victory speech, a visibly moved Chair Elias thanked all the candidates that ran alongside him, community Elders, his family and the people who supported his campaign.
“A lot of effort put into it this month and a half or so of hard grinding going to the communities, carrying your voices and your concerns. Just want to say thank you very much to all the candidates that stepped up and put their name.”
The new leader reflected on how Minister Lucy Kuptana, who was also in the running, played a big part.
“When I went on this, decided to put my name forward, Lucy was the one that actually told me to put my name forward. And I put my name forward and I committed myself,” said Chair Elias, with emotion heavy in his throat.
“My family, the sacrifices they made. And I heard all your voices, every one of you. It means a lot to me and I think that’s what brought me here. It’s because I really believe in you people, our people, all 42 directors, you guys are going to be the ones that are going to be steering the ship for the next four years. And I’m here to be a spokesman for you. I’m here to guide you and we are going to fix some of the social issues that we have right now,” he continued.
Leaders across the territory are congratulating Chair Elias on the win, including Premier R.J. Simpson who issued a statement this morning wishing the leader success in the role.
Premier Simpson also emphasized the GNWT’s strong relationship with Inuvialuit government as one built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the people and communities across Inuvialuit Settlement Region and the NWT.
“The Government of the Northwest Territories values its strong relationship with Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. That relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to improving the lives of people and communities across Inuvialuit Settlement Region and the Northwest Territories. I look forward to working with Chair Elias and the IRC Board on shared priorities that matter to Northerners.”
Chair Elias was competing with longtime Inuvialuit leader Chair Duane Smith and veteran territorial trailblaizer Minister Kuptana.
In December, Premier Simpson temporarily stepped into the role of Housing minister while Minister Leesa Semmlar stood in place for Minister Kuptana as minister for the status of women.
Today, the premier announced that Minister Kuptana would be returning to her leadership roles for the Status of Women and Housing.
“With the results of the election of the Chair of Inuvialuit Regional Corporation now confirmed, Minister Lucy Kuptana has resumed her role on the Executive Council of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Housing and Status of Women portfolios, which she previously held, have been reassigned to her,” read a statement by the GNWT issued on behalf of the premier.
“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. With the election now concluded, she will return to full time work as a Member of the Executive Council,” the statement continued.
“Our government remains focused on the priorities ahead, and the work of Cabinet will continue without interruption,” said Premier Simpson.
