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Ellery Starlight has been elected as the new head chief of Tsuut'ina Nation.
Winning with 300 votes, Starlight took to social media Friday morning to thank his fellow candidates and the community's previous leadership, and address Tsuut'ina Nation.
"I believe in you and I will do my best to serve you with all the knowledge, wisdom, courage and traditions you have given me. I can never do it alone. We need your help," he wrote.
"Tsuut’ina expects nothing but the best from us. We will prevail and become stronger."
Starlight has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and played a major role in establishing the Peacemaker Court in Tsuut’ina Nation in 2000.
He previously served as a member of the Tsuut’ina Nation Council.
Then-prime minister Justin Trudeau, right, has his headdress adjusted by Ellery Starlight after receiving it in a ceremony while visiting the Tsuut'ina First Nation near Calgary on March 4, 2016. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)Incumbent chief Roy Whitney failed in his bid for re-election.
Whitney was charged with sexual assault in August in relation to alleged offences against two men decades ago. In a written statement at the time, Whitney said he "unequivocally" denies the allegations, which he described as "unfounded."
Twelve minor chiefs were also elected Friday. They are Waylon Big Plume, Jeanne Crowchild, Hine Crowchild, Zachary Manywounds, Twylla Starlight, LeeRoy Meguinis, Tyson Heavenfire, Kendall Jacobs, Paula Big Plume, Kelsey Big Plume, Corrine Eagletail and Paul Whitney.
The elected members will serve for three years.