Newly elected Chief Joyce Naytowhow-McLeod was sworn in Thursday morning. (Submitted photo/ Conrad Naytowhow)

By Nigel Maxwell

Election Results

MLCN members elect first female Chief

Oct 1, 2020 | 12:15 PM

History has been made at Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

Joyce Naytowhow-McLeod has been elected as the band’s first female Chief.

She was declared the winner of Wednesday’s election with 495 votes, roughly 140 more than Frank Roberts. Naytowhow-McLeod told paNOW she was feeling very fortunate.

“People wanted change, people need change, and I am going to give them what I can,” she said.

Chief Naytowhow-McLeod addresses band members attendng the inauguration ceremony. (Facebook)

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During her campaign, the long time educator pledged to help get more people working through the offering of more skills training. She also promised to appoint an economic development officer. Naytowhow-McLeod said she was deeply honoured to be elected the band’s first female Chief.

“I would love to inspire other women, especially the women in politics. I have my own inspirations from past leaders in Montreal Lake and the ones all across Canada,” she said.

In addition to the Chief election, Eldon Henderson was re-elected urban councillor, and Ricky Bird was elected to the other vacant council seat.

Roughly 860 total ballots were cast.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell