Mary Simon facts for kids
Mary Jeannie May Simon (born August 21, 1947) is a remarkable Canadian leader. She served as the 30th governor general of Canada from 2021 to 2026. This made her the first Indigenous person to hold this important role. Mary Simon is Inuk through her mother's family.
She was born in Fort Severight, Quebec. Before her time as Governor General, she worked as a broadcaster. She also served as a diplomat and a public servant. Mary Simon was Canada's first ambassador for circumpolar affairs. She helped create the Arctic Council, which works on issues in the Arctic region. She also represented Canada as an ambassador to Denmark.
Quick facts for kids
Mary Simon
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ᒥᐊᓕ ᓴᐃᒪᓐ
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Simon in 2022
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| 30th Governor General of Canada | |
| In office July 26, 2021 – June 8, 2026 |
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| Monarch | |
| Preceded by | Julie Payette |
| Succeeded by | Louise Arbour |
| 13th President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami | |
| In office 2006–2012 |
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| Preceded by | Jose Kusugak |
| Succeeded by | Terry Audla |
| Canadian Ambassador to Denmark | |
| In office August 11, 1999 – January 15, 2002 |
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| Preceded by | Brian Baker |
| Succeeded by | Alfonso Gagliano |
| Canadian Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs | |
| In office October 31, 1994 – January 19, 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Jack Anawak |
| Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference | |
| In office 1986–1992 |
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| President |
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| Preceded by | Hans-Pavia Rosing |
| Succeeded by | Caleb Pungowiyi |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Mary Jeannie May
August 21, 1947 Fort Severight, Quebec, Canada |
| Spouses |
Robert Otis
(m. 1967, divorced)George Simon
(divorced)Whit Fraser
(m. 1994) |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Johnny May (brother) |
| Education |
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| Occupation |
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| Signature |  |
Contents
Growing Up and Learning
Mary Jeannie May Simon was born on August 21, 1947. Her birthplace was Fort Severight, Quebec. Her father, Bob May, was of English descent. Her mother, Nancy, was Inuk. Her father managed a Hudson's Bay Company store.
Mary grew up with a traditional Inuit way of life. She learned to hunt, fish, and sew traditional Inuit clothing. She also traveled by dog sled. Her mother and grandmother taught her many Inuit stories and traditions. Her Inuk name is Ningiukudluk, meaning "bossy little old lady."
She went to school in Fort Chimo (now Kuujjuaq). She also attended high school in Colorado. She finished her high school studies by mail in Fort Chimo.
Mary Simon's Career
Early Work and Public Service
Mary Simon taught the Inuktitut language at McGill University. She also worked for CBC Northern Service as a producer and announcer. This was from 1969 to 1973.
She started her public service career by joining the Northern Quebec Inuit Association. Later, she became the vice-president and then president of the Makivik Corporation. She worked there until 1985.
Mary Simon also worked with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. This is a national organization for Inuit in Canada. She helped negotiate important agreements for Indigenous peoples. These included discussions about the Canadian Constitution and the Charlottetown Accord. She also worked with the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
Diplomatic Roles
Mary Simon took on many roles for the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC). She was a council member and then president from 1986 to 1992. As president, she led Inuit delegations to Russia. They met with Russian officials and Inuit people there. This helped Russian Inuit attend international meetings.
Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs
In 1994, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien appointed Mary Simon. She became Canada's first Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs. This was a new and important job. She held this role until 2004.
She played a key part in creating the Arctic Council. This council brings together eight countries. They work together on issues in the Arctic. Indigenous peoples are also active members of this council.
Mary Simon also served as Canada's Ambassador to Denmark. This was from 1999 to 2002.
Governor General of Canada
Becoming Governor General
In 2021, the Canadian government looked for a new Governor General. Mary Simon was a top choice. This was partly because of her Indigenous background. On July 6, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced her appointment. Queen Elizabeth II approved her as the 30th Governor General of Canada.
She had a special meeting with the Queen on July 22. This meeting was online because of the pandemic. Mary Simon was officially installed on July 26. This ceremony took place at the Senate of Canada Building.
Some people had concerns about her appointment. She speaks English and Inuktitut, but not fluent French. French is an official language in Canada.
Her Time as Governor General
The Spirit of Ajuinnata
Mary Simon often spoke about the concept of ajuinnata. This is an Inuktitut word. It means a promise to never give up. It also means a strong commitment to act, no matter how hard things are. Her mother and grandmother taught her this word. She said this spirit helped her work to improve life for Inuit people.
Important Visits
Mary Simon made her first trip abroad as Governor General in October 2021. She visited Berlin, Germany. She met with German leaders, including President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Angela Merkel. She discussed how countries can acknowledge difficult parts of their history. This included talking about the Holocaust and the Canadian Indian residential school system.
Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee
In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee. This marked 70 years as Queen. Mary Simon honored the Queen. She noted how much Canada had changed during the Queen's reign. She mentioned the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She also spoke about the first Indigenous Governor General.
Mary Simon met the Queen in March 2022 at Windsor Castle. They discussed important global events. Simon told the Queen that Canada's history books should show the true story of Indigenous peoples.
In May 2022, Simon hosted Charles, Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (now Queen Camilla) in Canada. This was part of the Jubilee celebrations.
Simon also traveled to London in June 2022. She took part in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations there. She encouraged all Canadians to honor the Queen's life and legacy.
Papal Visit to Canada
In April 2022, Pope Francis apologized to an Indigenous delegation at the Vatican. Mary Simon said she was thankful for his words. She called it a "historic and emotional day." She saw it as a step towards reconciliation.
Pope Francis visited Canada in July 2022. Mary Simon participated in several events. After the Pope's apology in Maskwacis, she said it was a day that helped survivors heal.
Changes in the Crown
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Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022. Mary Simon became the first Governor General to serve under two monarchs since 1936. She spoke about the Queen's care for Canada and its people.
On September 10, she signed the proclamation for King Charles III's accession. She noted that the Crown continues as a symbol of service.
Mary Simon attended the Queen's state funeral in London. She also attended the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023. Before the coronation, she arranged a meeting between the King and Indigenous leaders. She said the King understood the importance of reconciliation.
End of Term
Mary Simon's term as Governor General ended on June 8, 2026. Before she left, the government announced a $5 million fund. This fund supports mental health in northern communities. It is named after Mary Simon.
Personal Life
Mary Simon is one of eight children. Her brother, Johnny May, is a famous bush pilot in their area. She grew up attending an Anglican church. She faced personal challenges in her life, which she worked hard to overcome.
Mary Simon has been married three times. In 1994, he married her current husband, Whit Fraser. He is a journalist and author. She has two sons and one daughter. Mary Simon speaks English and Inuktitut.
Honours and Awards
Mary Simon has received many honors and awards for her work. These recognize her contributions to Canada and Indigenous peoples.
| Viceregal styles of Mary Simon (2021–2026) |
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Ribbon bars of Mary Simon
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| Honour | Date | Citation |
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Order of Canada |
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Order of Military Merit | Extraordinary Commander of the Order in 2021 |
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Order of Merit of the Police Forces | Commander of the Order in 2021 |
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The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem | Dame of Justice and Prior of the Order in 2021 |
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National Order of Quebec | Officer of the Order in 1992 |
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Governor General's Northern Medal (Polar Medal) | August 4, 2011 |
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125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal | 1992 |
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Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (Canadian Version) | February 6, 2002 |
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Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (Canadian Version) | February 6, 2012 |
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King Charles III Coronation Medal (Canadian Version) | 2024 |
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Canadian Forces' Decoration | July 22, 2021 |
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Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta Version) | 2022 |
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Greenland Medal for Meritorious Service (Gold) | July 24, 1992 |
| National Aboriginal Achievement Award | 1996 | |
| Gold Medal of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society | 1998 | |
| Symons Medal of the Confederation Centre of the Arts | November 3, 2009 |
Honorary Degrees
Mary Simon has received many honorary degrees from universities. These degrees recognize her achievements and contributions.
| University | Degree | Date | Ref. |
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| McGill University | Doctor of Laws | June 5, 1992 | |
| Queen's University | Doctor of Laws | October 28, 1994 | |
| Trent University | Doctor of Laws | June 2, 2005 | |
| Memorial University | Doctor of Laws | May 2008 | |
| University of Guelph | Doctor of Laws | February 2009 | |
| Carleton University | Doctor of Laws | June 7, 2011 | |
| University of Alberta | Doctor of Laws | June 12, 2012 | |
| Mount Saint Vincent University | Doctor of Humane Letters | 2013 | |
| University of British Columbia | Doctor of Laws | May 26, 2016 | |
| University of Victoria | Doctor of Laws | June 2016 | |
| University of Calgary | Doctor of Laws | June 7, 2017 | |
| University of Western Ontario | Doctor of Laws | June 19, 2017 | |
| University of Manitoba | Doctor of Laws | June 20, 2023 | |
| Royal Military College | Doctor of Laws | May 16, 2024 |
Honorary Academic Positions
- Mary May Simon was the Chancellor of Trent University from 1995–1999 and again in 2002.
Honorary Military Appointments
Mary Simon held special honorary roles in the Canadian military.
| Military command | Date | Regiment | Position |
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 Canadian Army |
July 26, 2021 – June 8, 2026 | The Governor General's Horse Guards | Colonel of the Regiment |
| Canadian Army |
July 26, 2021 – June 8, 2026 | Governor General's Foot Guards | Colonel of the Regiment |
| Canadian Army |
July 26, 2021 – June 8, 2026 | The Canadian Grenadier Guards | Colonel of the Regiment |
Current Positions and Memberships
Mary Simon is a fellow of the Arctic Institute of North America and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. She also holds other important positions:
- Advisor to the European Space Agency (Arctic Monitoring Program)
- Chairperson, Arctic Children and Youth Foundation
- Board Member, Indspire
- Member of the Board of Governors, University of the Arctic
- Council Member, Crossing Boundaries National Council
- Member of Advisory Circle, Walter and Duncan Gordon Charitable Foundation
- Council Member, The National Police Services Advisory Council
Coat of Arms
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Published Works
Mary Simon has written many articles and contributed to books. Her writings often focus on the environment, education, language, and Inuit culture.
See also
In Spanish: Mary Simon para niños
