Frederick Blake Jr. has been elected grand chief of the Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC) with 604 votes.

Preliminary results were posted to the GTC election's social media feed shortly after 10 p.m. on Aug. 19.

His lone competitor, incumbent Ken Kyikavichik, received 515 votes.

Out of 3,738 eligible voters, 1,119 cast ballots in the election. One ballot was spoiled and 20 were rejected.

NNSL Media has reached out to Blake for comment. The GTCSA国际影视传媒檚 annual general assembly began Aug. 21 in Aklavik and an opening feast was held Aug. 20.

Shortly before 8 p.m. on Aug. 20, Kyikavichik posted to his social media page that he was filing an appeal with the returning office.

"In my opinion, there were false accusations and statements that potentially impacted the outcome," he wrote. "It was not an easy decision but one that warrants a review in light of the election offences that I believe have occurred under our Election Policy. It is important that this Policy is adhered to and respected."