Photo courtesy canoelakeschool.ca
Canoe Lake Cree Nation’s chief has earned a decisive win after Friday’s band elections.
Chief Francis Iron received more than 270 votes while Robert Opekokew received nearly 140 votes.
Iron originally first became chief in 2014 after taking the position from Opekokew, who had been chief for four years.
Electoral officer Rosalind Alger says more than 500 people voted.
On band council, Ralph Opikokew Jr., Wilfred Iron (Lil Tom) and Lorne Iron were re-elected.
Roxanne Gamble (Iron), Bernice Iron (Cookie) and Lenny Patrick Iron are new to council.
Of the 35 council candidates, Lorne Iron received the most votes and Wilfred Iron received the second-most.
Canoe Lake is in the Ile-a-la-Crosse region, and is affiliated with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council.
Canoe Lake’s terms are two years.