Mike Smith has been re-elected as the Yukon regional chief for the Assembly of First Nations.
The election happened Wednesday at the annual general assembly of the Council of Yukon First Nations.
Smith was first elected to the position in 2012.
Before that the veteran politician finished three terms as chief of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation in March 2011.
The release announcing his win did not provide a breakdown of the votes. All Yukon First Nation chiefs, four delegates from each of the Yukon First Nations and the CYFN executive elder each cast a ballot. The winner needs at least 60 per cent of the vote.
Smith beat out former Yukon Justice Minister Marian Horne and political newcomer Connor Whitehouse.
Horne is a Teslin Tlingit First Nation citizen. She is the president of the Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council.
Horne served as MLA for Pelly-Nisutlin from 2006 to 2011. She also ran for MLA for the Whitehorse Centre riding in 2011 but lost to NDP Leader Liz Hanson.
Whitehouse released a brief statement. He said he is pleased to have come in second place.
“Over the course of the next few years, I look forward to continuing to work with Regional Chief Smith at the AFN representing and advocating for youth and young adult interests,” he said.
“I also look forward to continuing to work with Marian Horne on initiatives of the Yukon Aboriginal Women’s Council.”
The regional chief position is for a three-year term.