11 a.m. update:
Batchewana First Nation issued a press release with the following statement from newly re-elected Chief Dean Sayers:
“On behalf of the Council I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who took part in the election. Our citizens have a strong voice, and have provided each of us with a distinct mandate. We have dynamic leaders guiding our First Nation and we look forward to getting back to our progressive agenda," said Sayers.
Original story:
Last night Batchewana First Nation elected a chief and eight councillors.
What follows is the information from the official statement of votes as received by SooToday from Vaughn Johnston, official electoral officer.
Dean Sayers is re-elected as chief with 381 votes
Also running for chief were Joe Tom Sayers, who received 133 votes; Darryl Hill, who received 45 votes, and Allan Syrette 'Yin', who received 24 votes.
35 ballots for chief were rejected.
Elected to the office of councillor are
- Harvey Bell - 299
- Stacy Tijerina - 280
- Lynn Tegosh - 264
- Adele (Boyer) Madigan 'Chigirl' - 245
- Greg Joseph Agawa - 232
- Vernon Syrette 'Champ' - 229
- Patricia Anne Lesage - 220
- Peter Sewell - 215
Also running for councillor were
- Gary Roach Jr. - 203
- Brian J. McCoy - 196
- Kevin Tegosh - 194
- Keegan Boissoneau - 156
- Joyce Marie Senecal - 152
- Cathy Alisch - 146
- Claude Paquin - 141
- Craig McKay - 132
- Douglas G.T. Agawa Jr. - 126
- Carol Hermiston - 122
- Robert Syrette Jr. 'Buck' - 120
- Michael Joseph Hodgson - 116
- Melanie Roach - 112
- Darryl Hill - 98
- Donald A. J. Syrette - 67
- Allan E. Syrette 'Yin' - 61
- Ronald James Syrette - 23
Eight ballots for councillor were rejected.
"This count was diligently conducted in accordance with the Indian Band Election Regulations," said Johnston.
(PHOTO: SooToday file photo shows Chief Dean Sayers speaking at a rally.)