Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Elects Cheryl Moore as New Chief in Northern Manitoba

Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has elected former councillor and vice-chief Cheryl Moore as its new leader following a community vote this week in northern Manitoba. As reported by CBC News on 29 August 2026, Moore emerged victorious in a closely contested three-way race that concluded on Thursday night. She becomes the second woman to be elected chief of the nation, succeeding Angela Levasseur, who served one four-year term. Moore, who has dedicated over three decades to serving the First Nation centered around Nelson House, narrowly defeated Felix Walker in the polls. Speaking to CBC News on Friday, Moore described the experience as nerve-wracking due to the close margins at each polling station. She expressed a strong commitment to tackling pressing local issues, including housing shortages, health care access, and community safety. "At the end of the day, it's about the people," Moore said, emphasizing her plan to put citizens first. The election also saw the formation of a six-member council. Incumbents Kim Linklater, Ron D. Spence, and Jeremiah Spence were re-elected, while Craig Linklater and Barb Moore joined the council for their first terms. Former councillor Cheyenne Spence also regained a seat after a previous loss in 2022. The new leadership team will be officially sworn in at a community event next month. Support for the incoming leadership has already come from regional bodies. Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak issued a statement on Friday offering congratulations and expressing a desire to work together to advance the priorities of the nation’s citizens. Moore acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly a housing list of approximately 700 people and a need for increased staffing at the community health centre. However, she remains focused on a unified approach to overcome these obstacles and serve the NCN community.