IRC announces list of candidates for 2026 Chairperson Election
The Nomination Period for the 2026 IRC Chairperson Election (Election) opened on December 8, 2025 at 8:00am and closed at 4:00pm on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
The following individuals have met the eligibility criteria under the Rules for the Election of the IRC Chairperson approved by the IRC Board of Directors and will stand as candidates in the Election:
| Name | Community Corporation |
| Erwin Elias | Tuktoyaktuk |
| Lucy Kuptana | Tuktoyaktuk |
| Hans Lennie | Inuvik |
| Lawrence Ruben | Paulatuk |
| Duane Smith | Inuvik |
| Brian Wade | Inuvik |
| Kurt Wainman | Inuvik |
The election of the IRC Chairperson will be held at the Midnight Sun Complex on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The duly elected directors of the Inuvialuit Community Corporations are each eligible to cast a vote in this Election.
The IRC Chairperson is elected for a four-year term.
For more information please email election@inuvialuit.com