Mary Simon promises to work to right the wrongs of the past

At a time when Canada is desperately grappling with the sad legacy of its negative attitudes towards indigenous peoples, Mary Simon, a former journalist and activist in the Inuit community, has taken over as the country's new governor-general. What do we know about this courageous woman, who was not afraid to take on such a responsible public office in these challenging times?

Who's Mary Simon?

Mary Jenny May Simon was born on August 21, 1947, in the small Inuit village of Kangiqsualujuaq in northern Quebec, to an Inutic and an Englishman. Mary was an advocate for Inuit rights and culture for most of her life. In the 1970s, she worked as a journalist for CBC North. In 1982, she was actively involved in the negotiations that led to amendments to the Canadian constitution that formalized aboriginal rights. From 1994 to 2004, Mary Simon was Canada's first Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs and played a leading role in fostering links between the peoples of the Arctic region. From 1999-2002, she served as Canada's Ambassador to Denmark and also worked on Arctic affairs at the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs. Mary is married to journalist Wit Fraser and has three children.

Inauguration

Mary Simon stepped into her new position on Tuesday, becoming the first Native Canadian to serve as Queen Elizabeth II's official representative to Canada and commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces. Although the position is largely ceremonial in nature, the nomination for Governor General must be approved by the Queen; Mary Simon has received the monarch's approval, as announced by Elizabeth II on her Twitter account.

During a press conference in which Prime Minister Trudeau introduced Mary Simon as Canada's new Governor General, he stated the following:

"Today, 154 years later, our country is taking a historic step. I cannot find a better person than Ms. Simon to fill this position at this time. Ms. Simon has dedicated her life to addressing the social, economic and human rights issues of Canadian Inuit and Indigenous peoples, and I am confident that she will serve Canadians and advance our shared values with dedication and integrity. When Simon takes on a role, it is her hope that she can be a bridge between the different cultures that together make up the tapestry of Canada."

Mary Simon became the country's 30th governor general, replacing former Canadian astronaut Julie Pyatt, who stepped down earlier this year when current and former employees accused her of creating a "toxic" work environment, harassing and bullying employees.

A historical moment

Ms. Simon's appointment to the post came at a uncertain time when Canada is forced time and again to turn over the hard pages of its difficult historical legacy. When more and more evidence of negative attitudes towards Native Indian communities, including forced assimilation programs, comes to light.

As we know, in recent weeks hundreds of human remains have been found in unmarked graves on the grounds of several former boarding schools in the country, causing widespread outrage and criticism.

In her welcome speech, the new Governor General addressed the audience in her native Inuktitut language and pledged to work towards healing the nation during a difficult historical period, which she described as a "particularly thoughtful time".

Ms. Simon said that as a Native, she understands the pain and suffering that many Canadians are experiencing right now. "We need to stop to fully acknowledge and commemorate the dead and come to terms with the atrocities of our collective past that we are learning more about every day," Simon said, adding that it takes a certain amount of courage.

Canadian indigenous peoples have welcomed Ms. Simon's appointment. For example, the Native Women's Association of Canada said it was pleased to see the first Inuit become governor-general "in a country that has been home to indigenous peoples for tens of thousands of years".