The chief-elect of the White River First Nation says there are several priorities facing the First Nation based in Beaver Creek.

"Everything is a priority,” Charlie Eikland Jr. said in an interview Monday afternoon following last Friday's count of the ballots.

"We have a lot of priorities, and it's just going to take time to sort them out and make life better for all the members; that's what it's all about.

"There is a lot to do on a lot of different fronts.”

The 48-year-old construction contractor said he heard throughout the election campaign the membership wanted change, a feeling he believes was reflected in the voting results.

Incumbent Chief David Johnny, a veteran of several terms, did not seek re-election.

Eikland won after the second count in what was a preferential voting method where voters were asked to indicate their order of preference for each of the four candidates.

Eikland received top choice from exactly 50 per cent or 41 of the 82 voters on the first count, but needed 51 per cent to be declared chief.

When returning officers counted the second choice indicated on the 10 ballots for the fourth place candidate – who was eliminated by placing last on the first count, Eikland became the chief-elect. He is scheduled to be sworn into office Jan. 16.

"For quite a few years, there has been division within White River,” said the new chief . "I would like to make it so we are one firm standing group of people that treats people good and fair, and takes care of White River business as a priority.

"With White River business, there is the outstanding claims, the pipeline, there is exploration and mining, economic development, our constitutional issues.

"There is lots to be done, and they are all priorities. I can't pick one priority over the other.”

The chief of Upper Tanana descent suggested while change will come, how much and how quickly it arrives will depend on the willingness of the membership and the First Nation's capacity and ability to handle it.

As one of only three Yukon First Nations which does not have an aboriginal land claim settlement, the unsettled claim is an issue, said Eikland.

He said White River has some major concerns related to their unsettled claim. If Ottawa is not willing to move on those issues, he said, it's kind of pointless to try to get back to the negotiating table.

"Ottawa says they are flexible but when you get into negotiations on different positions, they can be pretty rigid.”

Eikland said he wants to get the White River membership pulling in the same direction for the benefit of all members, regardless of whether they live in Beaver Creek.

"The big thing is being fair, treating everybody as equal,” he said. "That is the important thing; it's about being a good person.

"We have lots to do and we need everybody working together.”

Also elected to office last Friday were Michael Nieman and Dwayne Broeren as the Northern Tutchone councillors with Stanley Jack as the alternate.

Patrick Johnny and Gordon John were elected as the Upper Tanana councillors, with Charles Eikland Sr. chosen as the alternate.