Meet the 2023 Catawba Nation Election Nominees: Quinlan Canty
"I am a transparent individual, and I believe you need to earn the trust of the people you are serving."
Update (May 10, 2023): This and other articles has been updated to reflect the title of “nominee” rather than “candidate”. Sources from the Catawba Nation Longhouse have advised that the final list of candidates may not be available until late May 2023.
Editor's Note: Catawba Future is publishing these statements word for word as received through our Catawba Nation Election Candidate Survey - no edits have been made. Our goal is to provide transparent insight directly to Catawba Citizens from Catawba Nation election nominees independent of the Catawba Nation tribal government. The nominee responses have been verified by phone to ensure they are straight from the source. The responses of the candidates represent their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of the Catawba Future team. This article is not intended nor should be interpreted to endorse any specific nominee or candidate.
Quinlan Canty is running for the position of Executive Committee Member at Large. Check out his responses to our questions below:
What is the most important issue for your platform in this election?
My most important focus is betterment of our Nation as a whole. That being said, am very passionate about our elders,senior, as well as our youth. Growing up on the reservation I’ve always felt we have lacked in this subject. Our elders and seniors have fought so hard to be where we are today within our Great Nation, their dedication and commitment to see this Nation prosper should not go unnoticed. The youth will be our FUTURE, we need strong leaders and keeping them active within the Tribe and teaching them what it means to be Catawba, our Nation will forever be strong.
What do you believe qualifies you to be elected for this position?
The at-large position comes with responsibility to be a great liaison to each department within the tribe. In my past work with many different and culturally diverse groups, I’ve been able to make really great relationships that help make sure we’re all comfortable talking to one another and sharing the good and the bad of our work. I have been that person both within our community, and in communities beyond the reservation, as well as with outside entities and their leadership. It’s not just about being a nice guy that people love to work with and enjoy being around, but I’m that, too. It’s about being someone that can be counted on to hear what people need and to get the job done.
What do you feel you can do for the Catawba Tribe?
Firstly being upfront and honest with the Tribe. I am a transparent individual, and I believe you need to earn the trust of the people you are serving. Too many questions go unanswered today, and I feel as if I could be a part of the change our Great Nation needs to get more answers. I’m wholeheartedly committed to doing better for our youth and our seniors which means doing better for every Catawba family. Being in a position where I can work with the departments and the people that are serving them, I will do the work to make the programs we have right now work better for our people, and to find ways to grow and expand programs to do more than we are doing today.
What steps would you take to build Citizen trust in Catawba institutions?
It’s all about transparency. Personally, I will be making myself available to Catawba citizens by phone, email, or talking in-person. I think being open and honest like this on a bigger scale is important, too. I’d like to start having forums on topics important to our citizens like issues with our utilities or other common topics that never seem to get answered in GC meetings or anywhere else, but we all know we are talked about every day by Catawbas. Our citizens deserve answers on all these topics, big and small, and helping to deliver those answers in a good, honest way and then acting upon them is the only way to build citizen trust.
What do you believe is the best way for the Election Committee to stay in touch with Catawba Citizens?
Not everyone has social media, uses text messaging , or email. All of these are great and should still be implemented. I think mailing directly to individuals will be another great alternative.
What's one policy or project you would work to implement during your time in office?
There are so many projects I would like to see come to fruition. An assisted living program would be a tremendous help to those in need. A mobile group that would help our seniors live out the rest of their lives with dignity in their own homes would be a great first step, and eventually, adding in a dedicated facility for those who have inadequate housing or need around the clock care. A close second would be more tribal housing. The housing we have is scarce and purchasing of lands and building of houses on lands we already have would be significant to those who are looking to live on or near the Reservation.
What is your favorite food?
Mexican food!!
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Proud father of two beautiful, strong Catawba Indians. I was born and raised here on the Reservation, I hold this tribe near and dear to my heart. I am the great grandson of Fannie Harris, grandson of Heyward Canty Sr, grandson of Geneva Gunton, son of Ronald and Dawn Canty. I am proud of my heritage, my tribe and all of our accomplishments. Vote for change!