By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Walpole Island First Nation Bkejwanong Territory Chief Leela Thomas has been re-elected to a second term.
With nearly 1,000 ballots cast on Sept. 19, Thomas, as the incumbent, outpaced five opponents vying for the chief’s chair by capturing 504 votes. The race saw Kennon M.L. Johnson finish second with 208 votes; Daniel Miskokomon third with 143 votes; Ronald A. Ron Sayed fourth with 90 votes; Cody Miskokomon fifth with 32 votes and Hussein Sayed in sixth place with five votes.
Following the vote, Thomas posted on social media thanking the community for returning her to office.
“Chimiigwech from the bottom of my heart for your encouragement, your support, and your trust in me to serve the nation again,” she wrote. “Also, to everyone who lifted my spirits during this election cycle…I appreciated all the kind words and love.”
Thomas also expressed gratitude to the other candidates who put their names on the ballot.
“It takes courage to step forward, put yourself out there, share your ideas and accept the scrutiny that comes with an election,” she added. “Congratulations to our new council. I look forward to working alongside you this next two years.”
Other Walpole residents elected include councillors Jason Sword, Kyle Isaac, Carl Smith Sr., Jeffery Isaac, Ava Williams, Valarie Waboose, Sharon Coyle, Trenton Soney, Charlene Altiman, Larissa Wrightman, Harmony Blackbird and Lee Kicknosway.
The ballot tally for council members saw Kicknosway lead the way with 417 votes; Soney with 380 votes; Sword with 377 votes; Wrightman with 392 votes; Waboose with 283 votes; Williams with 310 votes; Isaac with 296 votes; Smith with 293 votes; Coyle with 288 votes; Matthew Nahdee with 282 votes; Altiman with 342 votes and Jeffrey Isaac with 254 votes.
Walpole’s chief and council are elected for two year-term ending in 2028. A swearing-in ceremony has already taken place.
