Greg Sarazin has secured his position as chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation in the recent election results. Defeating former chief Wendy Jocko once again in a partial rematch from the 2023 election, Sarazin received 268 votes compared to Jocko’s 201. Leah Lavalley, manager of Pikwakanagan’s limited partnership and economic development office, came in third with 135 votes, while Jennifer Meness, an Indigenous studies professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, received 76 votes placing her fourth.
Expressing his desire to build on the progress achieved in the last three years, Sarazin stated that his decision to seek re-election was motivated by his goal to continue advancing self-government, self-determination, and prosperity for the Algonquin Nation. Among his priorities moving forward, Sarazin highlighted addressing the opioid crisis in Pikwakanagan, which declared a state of emergency in 2023, as well as tackling housing shortages and advancing a water treatment plant project.
Emphasizing his commitment to ongoing initiatives, Sarazin also highlighted key economic development projects initiated during his tenure, such as the investment in the Skyview 2 battery energy storage system. The swearing-in ceremony for Sarazin and other council members is scheduled for April 1.