Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens’ Council Appoints Nicole Latour as Chief Electoral Officer
Posted on: Jan 29, 2026
Edmonton — The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is pleased to announce that the Citizens’ Council has appointed Nicole Latour as Chief Electoral Officer, pursuant to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Elections and Referenda Act. The appointment was made following the retirement of Del Graff, which became effective on December 31, 2025. Chief Latour brings more than two decades of leadership in public administration and over ten years of senior experience in elections management to the role.
“On behalf of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to former Chief Graff for his service to the Nation, and I wish him all the best in his retirement. At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Nicole Latour to her new role as Chief Electoral Officer.” said President Andrea Sandmaier.
Chief Latour previously served as Chief Electoral Officer for the Northwest Territories, following her role as Deputy Chief Electoral Officer. During her tenure, she led significant modernization initiatives, including the introduction of the first electronic poll used in a provincial or territorial general election in Canada, and the development of a comprehensive online training platform for election officers.
Chief Latour has held many distinguished public service roles, including being appointed the first woman Sergeant-at-Arms for the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, serving twice as a Coroner with the NWT Coroners Service, and being elected Mayor of Fort Liard, Northwest Territories. She now resides in Edmonton and is a proud Otipemisiwak Métis Government citizen.
“It is an honour to serve my Nation in this capacity,” said Chief Latour. “I look forward to working with Citizens, leadership, and administration to support fair, democratic, and accessible elections that reflect the values and evolving governance of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.”
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government also extends its sincere gratitude to Del Graff for his dedicated service as Chief Electoral Officer since 2022 and wishes he and his family all the best in his well-deserved retirement. During his tenure, former Chief Graff oversaw the Constitution Ratification Vote, which was the largest Indigenous vote in Canadian history, as well as the first-ever general election of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. He also administered numerous elections for District Captains and District Councils, contributing significantly to the strengthening of democratic governance within the Nation.
Media Contact:
Kenny Trenton
Press Secretary
Otipemisiwak Métis Government
ktrenton@metis.org
780-455-2200 ext. 24