2026 Municipal Election

Keneisha Buddoo is an educator, entrepreneur and community advocate who has called the north home for almost ten years. She works with youth at the Yellowknife Catholic School Board and has built much of her professional life around instructional coaching, literacy, belonging and helping people see possibilities for themselves.

Outside education, Keneisha (Kenshi) is a local business owner and serve as a consultant for several boards and NGOs. She is also a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve.

Keneisha is especially interested in Yellowknife's economic future, including mining, small business, northern development and the changing role of the North in Canada's future, but most of her work connects closely to housing, homelessness and family stability.

A mother, educator and relationship builder at heart, she believes strong communities are built by bringing residents, businesses, organizations, Indigenous governments and public governments to the same table. She believes cities are not built in silos, but collectively as a unit.

Rob Foote is a current Yellowknife City Councillor and healthcare supply chain professional with extensive experience in operations, strategic planning, and public service. Beyond his professional career, Rob has volunteered with a variety of community initiatives, including homelessness and youth programs. 

He is committed to responsible governance, sound financial management, strategic infrastructure investment, and helping ensure Yellowknife remains a strong, sustainable, and welcoming community.

Rylund Johnson is the former MLA for Yellowknife North and previously worked as a lawyer at the City of Yellowknife. 

He is passionate about addressing our housing crisis and building a Yellowknife that works for everyone!

Skye Plowman is a local entertainer and the head bartender at The Explorer Hotel. As a resident of Yellowknife for 13 years, Skye has been a regular staple on stages throughout the city as a comedian and MC.

When she’s not performing or taking care of guests at the Trapline Lounge, she can be found at home in Old Town with her partner and two dogs.

Tammy Soanes-White is a long-time resident, arriving in Yellowknife in January 1994 with her husband and four children. Yellowknife has provided her and her family with a wonderful life, filled with rich experiences and lifelong connections. And she wants to give back to the community as a City of Yellowknife Councillor.

The growing costs of living in Yellowknife prompted Tammy to run for council in this year's election to provide financial stewardship for City funds and to ensure that our public dollars are managed responsibly. Tammy is also interested in expanding food security through increased numbers of community gardens. And in furthering conversations about our library.

Tammy believes in the importance of community members' voices in our local government processes and decision-making.

In Tammy's spare time, she enjoys quilting, cutting firewood and spending time with family and friends.

For nearly 15 years, Vibhesh Tripathi has been proud to call Yellowknife home. During that time, he has built strong connections within the community and dedicated his time, energy, and resources to making Yellowknife a safer, stronger, and more welcoming place for everyone.

As a small business owner, Vibhesh understands the important role local businesses play in creating a vibrant and resilient community. He is a strong supporter of small businesses, volunteer organizations, and the people who give their time to make a difference.

Vibhesh believes that meaningful community involvement comes in many forms. Over the years, he has contributed through donations, volunteer work, and advocacy, with a particular focus on individual and community safety. He has supported Women’s and Youth Self-Defence programs, Yellowknife Search and Rescue, the SPCA, and other organizations that work every day to support and protect our community.

Vibhesh has always admired the members of City Council and the responsibility they carry in shaping the future of Yellowknife. He recognizes that effective leadership starts with listening—to residents, families, businesses, youth, and community organizations.

As he looks toward serving the community, Vibhesh is committed to learning from constituents, listening to their concerns, and working toward practical changes that make a real difference.

His goal is simple: to help build a Yellowknife where people feel safe, heard, supported, and truly at home.