Roseau River Reserve has just over 1,700 band members eligible to vote living on and off reserve. Approximately 500 members voted Thursday during the band council election. The voting numbers work out to just under thirty percent of the band population. Members elected will be responsible to fulfill a two year term.

Craig Alexander came out ahead for chief out of the six nominees with one hundred and fifty votes.

Newly Elected Chief Craig Alexander

"It's a surreal experience. Over the past month I put in a lot of effort, and went to a lot of meetings and it looks like all the work paid off," said the newly elected Chief.

Alexander went on to say thank you to all his supporters for believing in him.

Gary Roberts was the first Councilor to be voted in with the highest amount of votes out of the twenty-eight nominees with 191 votes. He has repeatedly been re-elected to council for more than ten years, and is humbled and grateful for the support he receives each time.

"My door is always open, anytime you have questions or just want to chat please do not hesitate to knock on my door," said Roberts.

Rachel Ferreira, also known to the community as Rachel Seenie, was the second councilor elected with one hundred and twenty votes.

"This is an honour to be voted in by the people, without them I would not be here. I plan to focus on including the entire community in our first meeting Friday morning," said Ferreira

Ferreira went on to thank those that supported her, and congratulated all the other elected officials of the night.

Third in line with one hundred and twenty-eight votes was previous 2013 elected Chief Ken Henry Junior. Henry said he could not believe the support he received from the community, and is humbled at a second chance to help his people.

"It's always a honour to serve the people. It's just one of those things that comes out heartfelt. So now we have a job to do tomorrow, and we are ready to get going on change," said Henry.

June Thomas, former councilor in 2013, was re-elected Thursday with one hundred and seventeen votes. Thomas mentioned she is grateful to her community supporters, and is looking forward to positive change in the community.

Currently there is some controversy surrounding Thursday's vote due to confusion over who the official electoral officer was. As a result Canadian Indian Affairs Regional Director General, Stephan Traynor, has indicated the election may not be recognized.

Community officials are considering the possibility of holding another election.