Canada Appoints First Indigenous Governor General

On July 6th Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that, based on the recommendation of his government, Queen Elizabeth II, who is the Queen of Canada, had appointed Mary Simon as her representative in Canada to act as de facto Head of State.

Governor-General-designate Simon is the first indigenous Governor General of Canada.

She was born in Kangiqsualujjuaq, in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec and grew up in a traditional Inuk household. Simon described her appointment as a “historic and inspirational moment for Canada” and an “important step” towards reconciliation.

In her remarks, Ms. Simon credited her grandmother, Jenny May, and her mother, Nancy May, with instilling in her a “boundless energy for learning, self-improvement and helping my community.”

“They also taught me to always be proud of who I am and to keep my mind open to other points of view,” she said.

According to a Global News report on July 6th, Ms. Simon said she learned “about the South and the non-Native world from a man who had a profound love and respect for the North, its people and its natural beauty” -- her father, Bob Mardon May.

“These experiences allowed me to be a bridge between the different lived realities that together make up the tapestry of Canada,” Simon said.

“I can relate to all people, no matter where they live, what they hope for or what they need to overcome.”

She has been an indigenous leader, journalist, senior executive and diplomat throughout her career. She served as Canada’s first Inuk ambassador as Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs and Ambassador to Denmark.

Her appointment follows two major developments this year.

Her predecessor, Julie Payette, had to resign in January as a result of accusations by members of her staff of fostering a toxic environment in the office of the Governor General. This led to a search for a candidate who could bring people together in a positive business environment and return a level of civility to Canada’s highest office.

The second major development was the unearthing of thousands of bodies at former Residential Schools. These schools, founded in the 19th century, removed indigenous children from their families and communities and deprived them of their culture, heritage, and language. Thousands of children died during this period that lasted over a century and has resulted in a national trauma. 

My article published on July 7th on this issue goes into greater detail.

Mary Simon appears to be a leader whose time has come. 

Canada needs reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous citizens. This will be a major challenge for her since she is both an indigenous person as well as the representative of the Crown with whom indigenous people have traditionally negotiated their treaty rights.

She will have to walk a fine line between advocacy and neutrality since hers is a mostly ceremonial and apolitical role.

Her appointment has been well received by both indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians. 

She also faces another challenge, however. Although she was born in Quebec, she speaks no French. She has committed to learning Canada’s other official language as soon as possible so that all Canadians can feel represented by her in this highest of offices.

As a Canadian, I am pleased with this appointment. 

I believe that she can make a difference and help Canadians transcend what have been a few traumatic months. As she travels across Canada and around the world, she will be able to address human rights issues as one who has suffered from systemic racism as well as someone who has not only fought it all of her life but now embodies the will of all Canadians to address and overcome this dark chapter of Canadian history.

I wish her well. 

Edición: Laura Espejo