Rick O'Brien is returning as chief of the local Kwanlin Dun First Nation after an overwhelming victory in Wednesday's election.

O'Brien polled 202 votes, a full 90 votes more than second-placer Ray Webb, who left his seat on council to challenge for the chief's chair.

Former Liberal cabinet minister Wayne Jim earned 78 votes in his bid to lead the First Nation and John B. Smith drew support from 47 Kwanlin Dun members.

Incumbent councillor Jennifer Edzerza was returned to office after receiving support from 208 voters, while Coun. Jessie Dawson secured another term with 174 votes.

Raymond Sidney garnered the second-highest support among the 19 candidates for councillor, with 197 votes; Alicia Vance was elected with 178 votes; Ronald MacIntosh joined council with 177 votes; and Charlene picked up the sixth and final seat with 154 votes, or 24 more than Judy Gingell, the former commissioner and the next-closest candidate.

O'Brien takes over from Chief Mike Smith, who is retiring from office after serving three consecutive terms. During that time, he signed off on Kwanlin Dun's land claim and self-government agreements.

Smith took office in the 2003 by-election, following O'Brien's decision to step aside and to serve as the Yukon's regional vice-chief for the national Assembly of First Nations.

In a brief interview following the final tally at the Na'Kwa'ta'Ku potlatch house in the McIntyre subdivision Wednesday evening, O'Brien said he ran on fairness, openness and inclusiveness.

He emphasized the importance of economic development in the First Nation's future.

The First Nation, the chief-elect pointed out, is the largest land owner in Whitehorse next to the city.

There are, and will be more opportunities, for the Kwanlin Dun to build upon its standing in the community, he suggested.

He noted, for instance, there is a proposal on the table to re-process the tailings at the old Whitehorse Copper Mine and truck the concentrate to Skagway.

But O'Brien emphasized he is but one voice on the seven-member council, and before second-guessing what priorities lay ahead for the First Nation, he needs to sit down with his fellow council members.

"I may be the chief but I am just the spokesperson,” he said. "I have a team of councillors that will give me direction, and that is the direction we will take.”

The First Nation, he added, will also be calling a general assembly to hear from the general membership.

O'Brien said it's a benefit to have two veteran councillors returning with their knowledge of corporate history, and refreshing to have four new councillors with new ideas.