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NUNAVUT
Cathy Towtongie was re-elected president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. on Dec. 10.

Eligible beneficiaries of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement headed to the polls to choose which of the 11 candidates would head Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

Cathy Towtongie has been re-elected president of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Election results Cathy Towtongie1,366 votes Mikidjuk Akavak 919 votes Manitok Thompson 903 votes Gabriel Nirlungayuk 898 votes Paul Kaludjak 799 votes Bernadette Niviatsiak 580 votes David Kunuk 558 votes Larry Audlaluk 410 votes Vinnie Karetak 263 votes Jerry Komaksiutiksak 105 votes Savikataaq Ford 66 votes Source: Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

Towtongie came in first, followed by Mikidjuk Akavak in second and Manitok Thompson in third.

President-elect Towtongie said she will work hard in the next four years.

"Humbled to be re-elected for a four-year term," she said. "I was surprised because I've lost before. I was surprised how quickly the results came in."

In the new year she will move to Iqaluit from Rankin Inlet, a decision she made because she is elected for a four-year term.

"I will buy my own house, if possible, plus my own car. I do not rely on NTI for those types of perks and I also do not travel executive class," said Towtongie. "I believe I am placed in a position of trust by the Inuit people and I will maintain that trust. To me, it's not a question of entitlement, it's a question of public service."

Towtongie said she will start working on a number of issues, such as implementing the revenue-resource sharing policy.

"If we're not prepared, all the resources and the mines will leave Nunavut and we cannot afford to be left with nothing," said Towtongie. "We have to prepare today to take advantage of development."

Other issues she said she wants to work on include education to prepare Inuit for jobs, and search-and-rescue, which she said needs to be adequately funded across the territory.

The territorial government and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami congratulated Towtongie on her re-election.

Deputy premier Peter Taptuna congratulated all the candidates who ran in the election.

"In the spirit of our protocol for working together, Aajiiqatigiiniq, we look forward to working with the president to continue to strengthen our relationship to further the interests of Inuit and all Nunavummiut," stated Taptuna.

National Inuit Leader Terry Audla congratulated Towtongie, adding issues Nunavut Inuit are facing are demanding.

"Cathy has demonstrated consistent dedication towards supporting Inuit culture, language, economic and social development," he said. "Inuit have re-elected a strong leader who will continue to speak strongly in defense of our Inuit traditions in the context of a rapidly developing Arctic."

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