Aamjiwnaang First Nation has acclaimed its chief for the 2024-2026 term of band council.
Janelle Nahmabin (Mskwaanakwod Kwe) has been selected to lead the group for the next two years.
Nahmabin, who has been serving as acting chair since Chris Plain stepped down from the role, said she was surprised when she found out.
"I was actually informed last night," said Nahmabin. "There was a great list of candidates for chief and any one of them would have been a wealth of knowledge and brought such good things to the community. So, to hear my name... that to me is an answered prayer."
Nahmabin appreciates the confidence her community has in her.
"Last term with the former Chief Chris Plain, that was the case as well, it was an acclaimed position. So, our community is very close so we are well informed of what kind of advocacy our leadership is doing, so to me this is reassuring," she said.
Nahmabin has served as an elected councillor for two terms, and has been a member of the Aamjiwnaang Environmental Committee for six years.
"I am very eager and excited to work on good relationships with the City of Sarnia and the surrounding industries," she said.
Nahmabin is pleased to see some of the candidates who were nominated for chief running for council.
In total, 32 individuals are vying for nine councillor positions and Nahmabin is looking forward to formalizing plans for the next term with whomever is elected.
"Working with council on our strategic plan and making sure that we are following that along, and also still navigating through our state of emergency, because we are still in an active state of emergency," said Nahmabin.
A polling station will be set up in the gymnasium at the Maawn Doosh Gumig Community Centre on October 18.
Mail-out ballots will be sent to off-reserve members by September 13.