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Mishkeegogamang elects woman as chief, first time ever - July 20, 2005 - Joyce Hunter, Reporter

History was made in Mishkeegogamang Tuesday night.

For the first time, a woman, Connie Gray-McKay, was elected as chief topping her closest rival by nearly 100 votes.

Eleven people ran for the post in the community of about 1,000.

“This is a very exciting time,” Gray-McKay said. “It hasn’t hit me yet, the importance of being the first woman. It’s an honour and a privilege to take over from Ronald Roundhead, a man who did so much for us. He’s done a lot to prepare me for this post.”

Gray-McKay said working with Roundhead as a councillor for the past 10 years has helped her and will make the transition go more smoothly.

“He showed me how to work with people,” she said. “He always showed patience, diligence and a commitment to his people.”

Roundhead was gracious in giving up his position.

“The way I feel now. I am spiritually tired. It’s truly been an honour to have worked with the Elders, council and the men and women of this community,” Roundhead said at the wrap-up the Treaty commemoration ceremonies last week.

After his goodbye, councillors gave him a canoe as a thank-you gift for his 22 years of service.

Councillors were also elected Tuesday night. Re-elected were Tom Wassaykeesic, David Masakeyash and Maryanne Panacheese-Skunk. Elected were Laureen Wassaykeesic and Tommy Spade.

While the votes were counted, a square dance was held at the school. Gray-McKay only got one dance, shortly after midnight before a storm knocked out power.

“It’s OK though because when I got to the school, everyone started clapping. It felt great.” -JT