Nipissing First Nation elects a new chief

It would appear that Nipissing First Nation has elected a new chief. An undated photo of the Nipissing First Nation Band Office. (Nipissing First Nation/Facebook)

It would appear that Nipissing First Nation (NFN) has elected a new chief.

Unofficial results show Cathy Bellefeuille has been elected chief for the next three-year term.

Scott McLeod, who has served as chief for nine years, will step down when this council term ends at the end of July.

There were six names on the ballot and more than 1,400 votes to be cast on Friday.

“A Vote for Unity” was Bellefeuille’s campaign motto.

Her campaign focused on working for all members both on and off the reserve, protecting NFN inherent and treaty rights while promoting economic development in order to build the community.

“I believe our First Nation has a solid foundation with a fantastic future that has been built over the years of hard work of the previous councils,” said Bellfeuille in her campaign platform.

“I am a strong advocate for health care, education, economic stability, culture, language and social development.”

Bellefeuille has served as a court worker for 15 years with the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, has served as band representative and a child welfare coordinator and is actively involved with Nipissing First Nation’s Ojibway Women’s Lodge.

She also served on NFN Council, being elected in 2015. During her tenure, she held the economic development portfolio and the health and social portfolio.

Outgoing Chief McLeod posted congratulatory messages to “all the candidates who put themselves out there to serve our great Nation,” on social media prior to the election.

“The community always makes the choice they feel is needed and we must all support the outcome,” he said.

True to his words, McLeod formally congratulated Bellefeuille on her win in a subsequent social media post on Saturday morning.

“Congratulations to our new NFN Chief Cathy Bellefeuille and our newly elected Council,” he wrote.

“There are many challenges ahead. Let’s all give them our full support as we move forward together.”

McLeod briefly reflected on his time as chief.

“I have given my community the best I have to offer and would do it all over again in a heartbeat,” he said.

“Being Chief has been a tremendous honor and a big part of my identity for the last 9(sic) years. Letting that go, although difficult, is a necessary transition for our Nation.”

McLeod told the community he will be taking some time to reflect and determine what is next but said he will post more thoughts “in the near future.”

Fred Bellefeuille, NFN’s Electoral Officer, states a full report with official election results will be released on Monday.

Officials with NFN told CTV News that the face for Chief was a close one but they do not expect any calls for a recount.