Celia Echum has secured a fifth term as chief of Ginoogaming First Nation near Longlac.
Echum defeated challenger Kelly Fortier with a vote count of 185 to 107 to continue to lead the community of 800 members in the band's election on Aug. 19.
She vowed to make economic development, capacity building and investing in youth iniatives her top priorities.
“If you are going to have a prosperous community, you have to have an educated community,’’ she said.
Echum's vision is a self-reliant Ginoogaming, focusing on maximizing business opportunities with Premier Gold and the Ring of Fire.
The First Nation has also been instrumental in facilitating the re-opening of the Longlac sawmill which employs many community members. Working with regional partners, Ginoogaming also secures wood harvesting contracts collaborating with other First Nations in the region.
“Our people are very capable of becoming managers, teachers, lawyers, doctors and our youth have special talents and aspire to be actors, singers, and professional athletes," she said.
"My role is to empower them, support their dreams and put those resources in place as they supported my dream to lead as Chief."
A newly-elected, six-member council will support Echum as chief through the 2015-2017 term. Elected councilors include David Charles, Sheri Taylor, Jerry Echum, Maurice Waboose, Victor Chapais, and Kenneth Charles Sr.
