Emily Whetung-MacInnes elected new chief of Curve Lake First Nation

Curve Lake First Nation elected Emily Whetung-MacInnes as its new chief.

The 33-year-old Whetung-MacInnes received 484 votes of the 780 votes cast for chief of the First Nation, which is 35 kilometres north of Peterborough. She garnered 62 per cent of the votes cast well ahead of runner-up Chief Phyllis Williams who held the position since 2012.

“It was overwhelming support from the beginning. I think people were excited because I’ve grown up in the community and I have a background in law and governance,” said Whetung-MacInnes.  “I think I would say thank you for all of the years she took care of our community. I think everyone on council has done their best job and really worked to make our community the best place it can be.”

Whetung-MacInnes is a real estate lawyer at LLF Lawyers in Peterborough.

Williams received 193 votes. Other candidates included Iris Taylor (56), Claudia Irons (35) and Charles Taylor-Burwell (12).

Residents also voted for its councillors. Twenty-six individuals had their name on the ballot seeking one of eight positions. Elected to council (and vote totals) include:

• Jeffrey Jacobs, 442
• Laurie Hockaday, 341 – re-elected
• Nodin Knott, 315
• Sean Conway, 310
• Saga Williams, 309
• Crystal Cummings, 256
• Deborah Jacobs, 253 – re-elected
• Arnold Taylor, 248 – re-elected

Current councillors Shane Taylor and Lorenzo Whetung failed to get re-elected. Councillors Ted Coppaway, Tiffany Taylor and Gary Williams did not seek re-election.

Whetung-MacInnes says communication and clean drinking water are top priorities.

“The water issue is now. It’s not 5 years from now when we can secure 30 million for a water treatment facility. I think one solution to look into is a UV system for the houses with the worst drinking water,” Whetung-MacInnes said.

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