Brad Benoit elected Chief of Miawpukek First Nation

A by-election on Friday resulted in Brad Benoit being elected chief of Miawpukek First Nation. (Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi/Facebook)

Brad Benoit has been elected administrative chief of Miawpukek First Nation following a tight by-election on Friday.

In a post on Facebook, Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi said despite the close race, Benoit had gotten a majority of the votes. He will now claim the position of the band's administrative chief, with former chief Mise'l Joe mentoring and guiding him into the new role.

Benoit had previously served as a band councillor.

The vote tallies were also posted on Facebook. Benoit won the election by five votes, receiving 114.

Harvey Drew, who had been serving as interim administrative chief of Miawpukek since Mise'l Joe retired, received 109 votes, and Mike Drew received 100.

The other candidates Greg Jeddore and Dave Joe received 53 and 7 votes, respectively.

Mi'sel Joe announced his retirement as administrative chief of Miawpukek First Nation earlier in January. He had held the position since 1982.

Joe told CBC News that he made the decision to retire over Christmas break when he and his family decided it was time to move on.

Joe will remain a traditional chief, a title given to a spiritual leader committed to preserving the language, culture and traditions of Miawpukek. He will also be mentoring the newly elected Chief until a general election is held in June.

In a statement on Facebook, the band council wrote, "Brad, your community congratulates you on your new role and is looking forward to seeing what you will bring to our beautiful reserve."

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