Mary Simon facts for kids
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 | |
| Assumed office July 26, 2021 |
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| Monarch | |
| Prime Minister | Justin Trudeau Mark Carney |
| Preceded by | Julie Payette |
| 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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| Prime Minister | Jean Chrétien |
| 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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| Prime Minister | Jean Chrétien Paul Martin |
| 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) |
| Residence | Rideau Hall |
| Education |
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| Occupation |
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| Signature |  |
Mary Simon (born August 21, 1947) is a Canadian public servant, diplomat, and former broadcaster. She has been serving as the 30th governor general of Canada since July 26, 2021. She is Inuk on her mother's side. This makes her the first Indigenous person to hold this important position.
Simon was born in Fort Severight, Quebec. In the 1970s, she worked as a producer and announcer for the CBC Northern Service. Later, she became involved in public service. She played a key role in important talks about Canada's future. She was Canada's first ambassador for circumpolar affairs from 1994 to 2004. She also helped create the Arctic Council. From 1999 to 2002, she was the Canadian ambassador to Denmark.
On July 6, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Queen Elizabeth II had approved Simon's appointment as governor general.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Mary Jeannie May was born on August 21, 1947. Her birthplace was Fort Severight, Quebec, which is now called Kangiqsualujjuaq. Her father, Bob May, was from Manitoba and had English roots. Her mother, Nancy, was an Inuk. Her father moved north when he was young. He became the manager of a local Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) store in the early 1950s. He said he was the first white employee to marry an Inuk, which the HBC did not allow at the time. Mary Simon's Inuk name is Ningiukudluk, which means "bossy little old lady."
Simon grew up following a traditional Inuit lifestyle. This included hunting, fishing, sewing Inuit clothing, and traveling by dog sled. She says her mother and grandmother, Jeannie Angnatuk, taught her many Inuit stories and traditions.
Simon went to federal day school in Fort Chimo, now called Kuujjuaq. She also attended Fort Carson High School in Colorado. She finished her high school studies by mail in Fort Chimo.
Career Highlights
Starting Her Career
Simon taught Inuktitut at McGill University. From 1969 to 1973, she worked as a producer and announcer for the CBC Northern Service.
She began her public service career by being elected secretary of the Northern Quebec Inuit Association. In 1978, she became vice-president, and later president, of the Makivik Corporation. She held this role until 1985.
During this time, she also joined Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Canada's national Inuit organization. Simon was a lead Inuit negotiator during the process of bringing the Canadian Constitution to Canada. She also took part in important meetings from 1982 to 1992. This included the 1992 Charlottetown Accord discussions.
She was a member of the Nunavut Implementation Commission. She also served as co-director and secretary for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
Working as a Diplomat
Mary Simon took on many roles for the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC). She was an Executive Council member from 1980 to 1983. Then she became president from 1986 to 1992. After that, she was a Special Envoy from 1992 to 1994. In 1986, as ICC president, Simon led a group of Inuit from Canada, Alaskan, and Greenland. They traveled to Moscow and Chukotka to meet with Russian officials and Inuit there. In 1987, the ICC helped the Russian government allow Russian Inuit to attend the 1989 ICC General Assembly in Alaska.
Ambassador Roles
In 1994, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien appointed Simon as Canadian Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs. This was a new position she held until 2004. She led the talks to create an eight-country council, now known as the Arctic Council. The 1996 Ottawa Declaration officially set it up. It included active participation from Indigenous peoples in the Arctic region. Under her leadership, she worked closely with the other seven states and their Indigenous permanent members.
During this time, Simon was also the Canadian Ambassador to Denmark from 1999 to 2002. She was also a member of a committee for environmental cooperation from 1997 to 2000. She chaired this committee from 1997 to 1998.
In 2001, Simon was appointed Councillor for the International Council for Conflict Resolution.
After Her Diplomatic Work
From 2004 to 2005, she helped with reports on important meetings about Indigenous issues. These meetings were announced by Prime Minister Paul Martin. From 2004 to 2007, Simon was a board member at the International Institute for Sustainable Development.
From 2004 to 2005, Simon was a special advisor to the Labrador Inuit Association. She helped with the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement. On July 7, 2006, she was elected president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
In 2010, people thought Simon might become Governor General of Canada. However, David Johnston was chosen instead.
Governor General of Canada
Becoming Governor General
The Canadian government looked for a new Governor General after Julie Payette resigned in early 2021. Mary Simon was seen as a top choice. This was because of her Indigenous background and the focus on Indigenous reconciliation. On July 6, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Queen Elizabeth II had approved Simon's appointment. She had a meeting with the Queen on July 22, but it was online due to the pandemic.
She received special titles, such as Chancellor of the Order of Canada. She was officially sworn in at the Senate of Canada Building on July 26.
Simon's appointment was a bit unusual. She speaks English and Inuktitut, but not French very well. This led to some complaints from Francophone Canadians. They felt it broke the tradition of having a French-English bilingual Governor General.
Her Time in Office
On August 15, 2021, Simon approved Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's request to end Parliament. She signed the order for the election on September 20.
On January 6, 2025, she approved Trudeau's request to pause Parliament until March 24. This happened before he announced he would resign as party leader and prime minister. On March 14, Simon appointed Mark Carney as the 24th prime minister of Canada. This followed his election as leader of the Liberal Party. Days later, she approved Carney's request to end Parliament. She signed the order for the election on April 28. She did not give the government's first speech in May. Instead, King Charles III was invited to give the speech as part of his royal tour of Canada.
The Meaning of Ajuinnata
Simon believes the idea of Ajuinnata is very important for her role as governor general. Ajuinnata is an Inuktitut word that means many things. It is a promise to never give up. It is also a commitment to act, no matter how hard the task. Simon said her mother and grandmother taught her this word. It is a very important idea for Inuit people. According to Simon, the spirit of Ajuinnata pushed her to work to improve the lives of Inuit in Canada.
Visit to Germany
Simon made her first trip abroad as Governor General on October 17, 2021. She and her husband arrived in Berlin, Germany, for a state visit. This was Canada's first state visit to Germany in over 20 years. During her visit, Simon met with President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel. Simon said she talked with Steinmeier about how leaders can address difficult parts of their countries' history. She also went to the Frankfurt Book Fair. She attended a discussion about Arctic exploration at a museum.
Queen's Platinum Jubilee
On February 6, 2022, Simon honored the Queen for her Platinum Jubilee. She said that much had changed in 70 years. She noted Canada's progress in medical research and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She also mentioned the first Canadian, first woman, and first Indigenous person to be Governor General.
Simon and her husband met the Queen for the first time on March 15, 2022, at Windsor Castle. The Queen hosted afternoon tea for them. Simon later said they discussed topics like the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and how they both recovered from COVID-19. Simon told the Queen that Canada's history books should be updated to show the true story of the relationship between the Canadian Crown and Indigenous peoples of Canada.
In May, Simon hosted Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. They were on their Platinum Jubilee tour of Canada. During the tour, Simon gave Charles a special honor at Rideau Hall.
Simon and her husband traveled to London from June 2 to 6, 2022. They took part in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the United Kingdom. They attended a special church service and other events. These events included military members from the Canadian Armed Forces.
Simon asked all Canadians to work together to honor the Queen's life and reign. She said this was worth celebrating.
Papal Visit
On April 1, 2022, Simon released a statement. This was after Pope Francis apologized to Indigenous people at the Vatican. Simon was thankful for the Pope's words. She called it a "historic and emotional day for Indigenous peoples across Canada." She said the apology was "one step on the road to reconciliation." The Pope also promised to visit Canada.
Pope Francis visited Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022. Simon took part in several events during his visit. After the Pope's apology in Maskwacis on July 25, Simon said it was a day that moved them forward. She hoped it would help survivors heal.
Change of Monarch
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Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022. This made Simon the first governor general to serve under two monarchs since 1936. Simon said the Queen's welcome earlier that year was a special memory. She said the Queen cared about people and Canada.
On September 10, Simon signed the official document for King Charles III to become monarch. This happened at Rideau Hall. Simon stated that the Crown continues as a symbol of service and tradition. She said King Charles III became King at an important time for Canada.
Simon and her husband were part of the Canadian group at the Queen's funeral in London on September 19. Simon thanked the Queen for her love and commitment to Canada.
In May 2023, before the coronation of King Charles III, Simon arranged a meeting. The King met with three Indigenous leaders at Buckingham Palace. Simon said the King understands the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Simon and her husband attended a reception hosted by the King on May 5. They also attended the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6. For the coronation, Simon wore a special outfit made by an artist from Nunavik. Simon said that 70 years had passed since the last Coronation. She noted how much had changed in the world. She said the Crown has also changed but remains a strong symbol for Canada's democracy.
On May 7, 2023, Simon attended the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.
Travel Expenses
In June 2022, Simon faced some questions about travel costs. A news story reported high catering costs for a trip to the Middle East. She called the criticism "unfair." She said she was not involved in planning the trip's details. Her office stated they would try to lower costs for future trips. Due to many negative comments, her office closed comments on social media posts in February 2023.
Personal Life
Mary Simon is the second oldest of eight children. Her brother, Johnny May, is a well-known bush pilot. When she was young, Simon went to an Anglican church with her family. At age 40, she experienced depression and burnout. However, she gradually got better.
Simon married her first husband, Robert Otis, on March 27, 1967. She later married George Simon. In 1994, she married her current husband, Whit Fraser. He is a journalist and author. Simon has two sons and one daughter. She speaks English and Inuktitut. She has also committed to learning French during her time as governor general.
Honours and Awards
| Viceregal styles of Mary Simon (2021–present) |
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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
| 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 to 1999, and again in 2002.
Honorary Military Appointments
| Military command | Date | Regiment | Position |
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 Canadian Army |
July 26, 2021 – present | The Governor General's Horse Guards | Colonel of the Regiment |
| Canadian Army |
July 26, 2021 – present | Governor General's Foot Guards | Colonel of the Regiment |
| Canadian Army |
July 26, 2021 – present | The Canadian Grenadier Guards | Colonel of the Regiment |
Current Roles and Memberships
Simon is a fellow of the Arctic Institute of North America and of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
She holds other positions, including:
- 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 works. These include topics about the environment, education, language, and Inuit culture.
See also
In Spanish: Mary Simon para niños
