Wilf Adam has been returned as chief of the Lake Babine Nation.
Adam garnered 232 of the 813 valid votes cast in last Friday’s Lake Babine Nation (LBN) general election, nearly 100 more than his closest challenger, Bernard Patrick, who tallied 139. The remaining 442 votes were split between candidates Frank J. Alec Sr. (118), Victor J. Alec Sr. (28), Anna R. Bertacco (88), Crystal D. Harwood (74), Myrtle M. Michell (12), Emma Palmantier (69), Mary-Ann Poirier (25), and Victor Tom (28). There were 16 spoiled/rejected ballots.
Election results reported late July 3 by Deputy Electoral Officer Drew Shaw also suggest that incumbent Derek C. MacDonald’s 180 votes were enough to get him re-elected as one of four councillors representing the community of Woyenne (Burns Lake). The other three top vote-getters for Woyenne were Darcy N. Dennis (193), Darren S. Patrick (158), and Melvin Joseph (150).
Other Woyenne candidates getting at least a measure of support from band members were Kelsey M. Abraham (34 votes), Scott V. Abraham (26), Johnathan Myles Alec (67), Marilyn R. Alec (50), Deanna F. Brown (96), Maurice Joseph (41), Dwight A.R. Michell (34), Fabian J. Michell (85), Frank Michell Sr. (128), Dorothy Patrick (89), Murphy Patrick Jr. (103), Bridget R.I. Peter (52), Donald T.B. Prince (84), Susie Tress (24), Joel T. West (125), Nancy Williams (76), and Raymond J. Williams (38). Seven ballots were declared spoiled or rejected.
Dolores Alec will again represent the community of Tachet at the LBN council table. Alec, who received 27 votes, will be joined by fellow successful candidate Mildred M. (Alec) George, who collected 26 votes. Incumbent Leonard Lawley finished third in the balloting with 21, while the remaining votes went to Eugene K. Alec (12), Elizabeth C. Charlie (13), David J.R. Findlay 14), Louie George (17), (Ronald) Ron George (9), Heather T. Joseph (5), S. Paul Joseph (15), Corrine L. Leon (10), Johnson Tom (7), and Victor Tom (12). One ballot was spoiled/rejected.
Fred William won’t be returning to council this year as one of two representatives from Fort Babine. William’s 36 votes earned him a third place finish in last Friday’s election, behind successful candidates Bessie West (51 votes) and Clara Williams (50). The remaining valid votes were split between John P. West (29), Vickie A. West (23), and Victor S. William (34).
Verna H. Power will represent the community of Old Fort on the Lake Babine Nation council in wake of the July 3 vote. Power received 28 votes, four more than second place finisher Raymond (Smoody) Alec Jr. Challengers Debbie L. West and Lori M. West tied for third place in the election with 14 votes each, while (William) Bill A. Findlay managed six.
Successful candidates in last week’s election will serve three-year terms.