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Q. Cathy Towtongie is a Canadian Inuit politician from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. She was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut in the 2017 general election to represent the electoral district of Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet. "Voters cast ballots in Nunavut election". Canadian Press via CTV News, October 31, 2017.
Prior to her election to the legislature, Towtongie served two terms as president of Nunavut Tunngavik from 2001 to 2004 and from 2010 to 2016. In this role, she faced criticism when she publicly objected to Iqaluit City Council's decision to raise a rainbow flag during the 2014 Winter Olympics in protest against the Russian gay propaganda law.
In 2020 she faced further criticism when she objected to the use of the word two-spirit in a motion on missing and murdered Indigenous women by fellow MLA Elisapee Sheutiapik, arguing that the concept was not a part of Inuit culture.Emma Tranter, "Nunavut MLA called out for statement about ‘two-spirit’". Nunatsiaq News, March 9, 2020. The criticism included an open letter from actress Anna Lambe, calling on the legislature to censure Towtongie for her comments. "Towtongie reignites controversy over two-spirited people’s acceptance in Inuit culture". Nunavut News, March 7, 2020. In 2021, just a few days before the commencement of the 2021 Nunavut general election campaign, Towtongie criticized the clothing manufacturer Canada Goose for its decision to stop using natural fur in its products.Derek Neary, "Towtongie slams Canada Goose for removing natural fur from products". Northern News Services, September 15, 2021.
Towtongie was defeated in the 2021 election by Alexander Sammurtok.Derek Neary, "Two judicial recounts required in Nunavut territorial election". Northern News Services, October 25, 2021.
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