An Inuk from Nunavik in northern Quebec has been named as the new Governor General of Canada.
Mary Simon is a former member of the Northern Quebec Inuit Association and was Canada’s first Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs.
She was also a lead negotiator for the creation of the Arctic Council and served as ambassador to Denmark.
Simon says she is genuinely humbled by her appointment as Canada’s very first Indigenous Governor General.
“Let me begin by conveying, in the strongest possible terms, that I am honoured, humbled, and ready to be Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General,” Simon said after the Prime Minister introduced her to Canadians this morning.
“I can confidently say that my appointment is a historic and inspirational moment for Canada, and an important step forward on the long path towards Reconciliation.”