Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Elect New Leaders

0:00It's March 28. From your city to your ears, this is Toronto News Today, Powered by AI. Members of the Agonquins of Piquacanagan, First Nation, west of Ottawa, hit the polls this Saturday for a big election to pick their new chief and council. Four candidates are vying for chief, current leader Greg Sarrison, former chief Wendy Jaco, and two newcomers, Leah LaValley and Jennifer Menace. Plus, 15 folks are running for six council seats. Sarrison is gunning for his third term after leading from 1987 to 89, and again, since last year. He's highlighting progress on land claim talks that restarted after a 2016 agreement, plus economic wins like a battery storage project, and emergency measures against the opioid crisis. Jaco, who served from 2020 to 2023 as the third female chief, lost her seat last time, but is back focusing on the housing. Shortage herding mental health and kids learning.

1:00She wants a new cultural center, tougher action on illegal drugs, building upkeep, and support for federal bills on land rights. The fresh faces bring new energy to. LaValley runs the economic development office and pushes transparency, open leadership, job growth, and protecting resources. Menace, a professor of indigenous studies, aims to revive Algonquin language and culture to fight opioids and boost pride while connecting, offers served members through family ties and education funds. Voting happens in person at the Mochwa Center on March 28th from 9am to 7pm, with the winners sworn in April 1st. This vote shapes how they tackle claims, health crises, and growth moving forward.