This media release is to advise of the results of the 2025 Chief and Council Election, as certified by Mr. Burke Ratte, Electoral Officer, on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026.
Mr. Ratte’s count of the 2025 Chief and Council Election ballots was livestreamed via Sioux Valley Dakota Nation’s Governance Youtube account. The count and tally of the ballots officially concluded at 3:37 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026.
Following Mr. Ratte’s count and tally of the ballots, he declared the following individuals as the successful candidates (in alphabetical order):
- Chief Jennifer Bone: 414 votes
- Councillor Jon Bell: 265 votes
- Councillor Darryl Hapa: 283 votes
- Councillor Melissa Hotain: 313 votes
- Councillor Bill McKay: 300 votes
- Councillor Randell Wasicuna: 374 votes
Mr. Ratte’s count of the ballots affirmed the previously declared results of the 2025 Election. As noted by Mr. Ratte during his count of the ballots, there was no evidence of tampering with respect to any of the ballots. As such, the results of the election have been certified.
Throughout the recent litigation, Chief and Council have at all times proceeded with the best interests of the community of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation as their main priority. Accordingly, Chief and Council wish to again emphasize that the recount of the ballots that took place today, along with the settlement of the litigation relating to this election, was in the best interests of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.
Chief and Council look forward to moving forward with important governance matters on behalf of the community for the remainder of their two-year term.
