Mary Simon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon CC CMM COM OQ CD
ᒥᐊᓕ ᓴᐃᒪᓐ
Simon in 2022
30th Governor General of Canada
Incumbent
Assumed office July 26, 2021
Monarch	Elizabeth II Charles III
Prime Minister	Justin Trudeau
Preceded by	Julie Payette
13th President of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
In office 2006–2012
Preceded by	Jose Kusugak
Succeeded by	Terry Audla
Canadian Ambassador to Denmark
In office August 11, 1999 – January 15, 2002
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
Prime Minister	Jean Chrétien
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Jack Anawak
Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference
In office 1986–1992
President	Rhoda Inukshuk John Amagoalik Rosemarie Kuptana
Preceded by	Hans-Pavia Rosing
Succeeded by	Caleb Pungowiyi
Personal details
Born	Mary Jeannie May (1947-08-21) August 21, 1947 (age 77) 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	Kuujjuaq Federal Day School Fort Carson High School
Occupation	Broadcaster public servant diplomat
Signature

Mary Simon is a Canadian leader, diplomat, and former broadcaster. She was born on August 21, 1947. Since July 26, 2021, she has been the 30th governor general of Canada. This means she represents the King or Queen of Canada.

Mary Simon is Inuit on her mother's side. This makes her the first Indigenous person to hold this important role in Canada's history.

She was born in Fort Severight, Quebec. In the 1970s, she worked for the CBC Northern Service. Later, she became a public servant. She helped with important talks like the Charlottetown Accord.

From 1994 to 2004, she was Canada's first ambassador for circumpolar affairs. She also helped create the Arctic Council. From 1999 to 2002, she was Canada's ambassador to Denmark.

On July 6, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Queen Elizabeth II had approved Mary Simon's appointment as governor general.

Mary Simon's Early Life and Education

Mary Jeannie May was born on August 21, 1947. Her birthplace was Fort Severight, Quebec. Her father, Bob May, was from Manitoba and of English background. Her mother, Nancy, was Inuk.

Her father moved north when he was young. He managed a local Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) store. He said he was the first white employee to marry an Inuk. The HBC did not allow this at the time. Mary Simon's Inuk name is Ningiukudluk.

Growing Up in the North

Mary Simon grew up with a traditional Inuit lifestyle. She learned to hunt, fish, and sew Inuit clothing. She also traveled by dog sled.

She learned many stories and traditions from her mother and grandmother, Jeannie Angnatuk. This is called oral history.

Schooling and Learning

Simon went to a federal day school in Fort Chimo. Later, she attended Fort Carson High School in Colorado. She finished her high school studies by mail in Fort Chimo.

Mary Simon's Career Journey

Starting Her Career

Mary Simon taught Inuktitut at McGill University. From 1969 to 1973, she worked for the CBC Northern Service. She was a producer and announcer.

She started her public service career by being elected secretary. This was for the board of the Northern Quebec Inuit Association. In 1978, she became vice-president of the Makivik Corporation. She later became its president until 1985.

Working for Inuit Rights

During this time, she also joined Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. This is Canada's national Inuit organization. Simon was a main negotiator for the Canadian Constitution. She also took part in important meetings from 1982 to 1992. She was involved in the 1992 Charlottetown Accord talks too.

She also served on the Nunavut Implementation Commission. She was a co-director for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.

Diplomatic Work and Global Connections

Simon took on many roles for the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC). She was an Executive Council member from 1980 to 1983. Then she was president from 1986 to 1992. She was also a Special Envoy from 1992 to 1994.

She helped get permission from the Russian government. This allowed Inuit from the Chukotka Peninsula to join the ICC. In 1986, she led a group of Inuit leaders. They visited Moscow and Chukotka to meet Russian officials. This helped Russian Inuit attend the 1989 ICC General Assembly in Alaska.

Becoming an Ambassador

In 1994, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien appointed Simon. She became Canada's Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs. This was a new position. She held it until 2004.

She led the talks to create the Arctic Council. This council has eight countries. The 1996 Ottawa Declaration officially created it. It makes sure Indigenous peoples are part of the circumpolar world. Simon worked closely with Indigenous groups from all eight states.

During this time, Simon was also Canada's Ambassador to Denmark (1999–2002).

Governor General of Canada

Becoming Governor General

After Governor General Julie Payette resigned, the government looked for a new person. Mary Simon was a top choice. This was because of her Indigenous background. On July 6, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced her appointment. Queen Elizabeth II approved it.

She met the Queen virtually on July 22 due to the pandemic. Simon was officially sworn in on July 26. The ceremony took place at the Senate of Canada Building.

Simon's appointment was special. She speaks English and Inuktitut. However, she is not fluent in French. This led to some concerns from Francophone Canadians. Traditionally, the Governor General speaks both French and English.

Key Moments as Governor General

Simon and Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, host a meeting during the Platinum Jubilee visit to the United Kingdom, June 2022.

On August 15, 2021, Simon approved Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's request. She dissolved Parliament and called an election for September 20.

On January 6, 2025, she approved Trudeau's request to prorogue Parliament. This means pausing Parliament until March 24, 2025. This happened before he announced his plan to resign.

The Meaning of Ajuinnata

Simon believes the idea of Ajuinnata is important for her role. Ajuinnata is an Inuktitut word. It means a promise to never give up. It is a commitment to act, no matter how hard things seem.

Simon learned this word from her mother and grandmother. She says the spirit of Ajuinnata pushed her to help improve life for Inuit in Canada.

Visiting Germany

Simon made her first trip abroad as Governor General on October 17, 2021. She and her husband visited Berlin, Germany. This was Canada's first state visit to Germany in over 20 years.

She met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Angela Merkel. Simon discussed how leaders can apologize for difficult parts of their country's history. She also attended the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations

On February 6, 2022, Simon honored the Queen. This was for her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. Simon said:

Much has changed in the last seven decades. We extended the hand of friendship to nations around the world. We made advancements in medical research, most recently with vaccines. We established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and took part in its work. We saw the first Canadian named governor general, then the first woman and now, the first Indigenous person.

Simon and her husband met the Queen on March 15, 2022. They had tea at Windsor Castle. It was the first time the Canadian monarch met the first Indigenous governor general. Simon said they talked about the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and COVID-19. Simon also told the Queen that Canada's history books should show the true story of the Crown and Indigenous peoples.

In May, Simon hosted Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. They were on their Platinum Jubilee tour of Canada.

Simon with governors-general David Hurley of Australia and Dame Cindy Kiro of New Zealand, outside St Paul's Cathedral, London, June 3, 2022

Simon and her husband went to London from June 2 to 6, 2022. They joined the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. They attended a special church service and a concert.

Papal Visit to Canada

On April 1, 2022, Simon spoke after Pope Francis apologized. The Pope apologized to Indigenous people at the Vatican. Simon said she was thankful for his words. She called it a "historic and emotional day." She said the apology was "one step on the road to reconciliation."

Pope Francis visited Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022. Simon took part in many events. After the Pope's apology in Maskwacis, Simon said it moved them forward. She hoped it would help Survivors heal.

Changes in the Monarchy

Simon meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, May 5, 2023

Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022. Simon became the first governor general to serve under two monarchs since 1936. Simon said the Queen cared about people and Canada.

On September 10, Simon signed the proclamation for King Charles III. This officially recognized him as the new King. Simon said the Crown is a symbol of service and tradition.

Simon and her husband attended the Queen's funeral in London. Simon thanked the Queen for her love and commitment to Canada.

In May 2023, Simon arranged a meeting. King Charles III met with three Indigenous leaders. Simon said the King understands the importance of reconciliation.

Simon and her husband attended a reception and the Coronation Service. This was for King Charles III on May 6. Simon wore a special Canadian design. She said the Coronation was a chance to reflect on changes in Canada and the world.

Mary Simon's Personal Life

Mary Simon is the second oldest of eight children. Her brother, Johnny May, is a famous bush pilot. She grew up attending an Anglican church.

Simon married Robert Otis in 1967. She later married George Simon. In 1994, she 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. She has promised to learn French during her time as governor general.

Honours and Awards

Viceregal styles of Mary Simon (2021–present)
Reference style	Her Excellency the Right Honourable Son Excellence la très honorable
Spoken style	Your Excellency Votre Excellence

Mary Simon has received many honours and awards for her work. These include:

Honorary Degrees from Universities

Mary Simon has received many honorary degrees from universities. These degrees recognize her achievements and contributions.

Honorary Academic Positions

• Mary May Simon was the Chancellor of Trent University from 1995 to 1999, and again in 2002.

Honorary Military Appointments

As Governor General, Mary Simon holds special honorary positions in the Canadian military.

Military command	Date	Regiment	Position
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. She is also a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

She holds other important roles, 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

Arms of Mary Simon

Notes Simon was given her own coat of arms by the Canadian Heraldic Authority. The symbols chosen reflect her life and work. The shield's shape looks like an amauti, a traditional Inuit parka. Adopted August 15, 2022 Crest A snowy owl affronty wings displayed and inverted environed by caribou antlers proper Escutcheon Argent an annulet, overall a fess nowy Azure charged with the Royal Crown Argent Supporters Two Arctic foxes proper each gorged of a collar Azure pendent therefrom a hurt that to the dexter charged with a mountain sorrel flower, that to the sinister with a cinquefoil Argent, each fox supporting a kakivak and standing on a rocky mount set with a blueberry patch and cottongrass flowers proper Motto ᐊᔪᐃᓐᓇᑕ Ajuinnata (Inuktitut for 'Persevere') Orders Circlet, ribbon and badge of the Order of Canada Ribbon and badge of the Order of Military Merit Ribbon and insignia of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces

Mary Simon has her own special coat of arms. It was given to her after she became Governor General. The symbols on it tell a story about her life. For example, the shield is shaped like an amauti. This is a traditional parka worn by Inuit women. The motto, Ajuinnata, means "Persevere" in Inuktitut.

Images for kids

• 

  Mary Simon's signature.

See also

In Spanish: Mary Simon para niños