JULY 6, 2021

INUK NINGIUKUDLUK (MARY SIMON) NAMED CANADA’S FIRST INDIGENOUS GOVERNOR GENERAL

Born August 21, 1947, in Kangisualuujjuaq, Quebec (QC), Mary has worked to further Inuit rights since the 1970s starting with the Northern QC Inuit Assn. (now-Makivik Corp.). Later, as its president, she helped implement the James Bay & Northern QC Agreement redefining QC’s relationship with the Cree & Inuit. She served on the Inuit Circumpolar & Arctic Councils, and was Canada’s Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs and, later, Ambassador to Denmark. In 2006, as president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), she focused on youth health & education and chaired the Arctic Children & Youth Foundation and National Committee on Inuit Education. Awards: Officer, Order of Canada; Governor General’s Northern Medal; National Order, QC; Gold Order, Greenland; Indspire Award; Gold Order, Canadian Geographical Society; and Symons Medal. She is in the International Women’s Forum Hall of Fame & a Fellow of the Arctic Institute of North America & Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Sources: 
 “Mary Simon: Cultural Identity and Education,” Speak Truth to Power.  Retrieved 12/12/2021, Biography - Mary Simon - Speak Truth to Power Canada (ctf-fce.ca)
Photo: Justin Trudeau official Youtube video, 7/6/2021. Permissive Use.  Source: Announcing Canada’s next Governor General, Ms. Mary Simon - YouTube