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 | |
| 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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| 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)George Simon
(no value)Whit Fraser
(m. 1994) |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Johnny May (brother) |
| Education |
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| Signature |  |
Mary Simon (born August 21, 1947) is a very important Canadian leader. She is a civil servant, a diplomat, and used to work in broadcasting. Since 2021, she has been the 30th governor general of Canada. This means she represents the King of Canada in the country. Mary Simon is Inuit on her mother's side, which makes her the first Indigenous person to hold this high office.
Mary Simon was born in Fort Severight, Quebec. In the 1970s, she worked as a producer and announcer for CBC Northern Service. Later, she became a public servant, working with the Northern Quebec Inuit Association. She also played a big part in important talks about 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 the Canadian 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. Some people had concerns because she is not fluent in French, which is one of Canada's official languages.
Contents
Mary Simon's Early Life and Education
Mary Jeannie May was born on August 21, 1947, in Fort Severight, Quebec. This place is now called Kangiqsualujjuaq. Her father, Bob May, was from Manitoba and had English roots. Her mother, Nancy, was Inuk. Her father moved north when he was young. He became the manager of the local Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) store in the early 1950s. Mary Simon's Inuk name is Ningiukudluk, which means "bossy little old lady."
Mary Simon grew up following a traditional Inuit way of life. She learned to hunt, fish, sew Inuit clothing, and travel by dog sled. She often shares that her mother and grandmother, Jeannie Angnatuk, taught her many Inuit stories and traditions.
She went to federal day school in Fort Chimo, now called Kuujjuaq. Later, she attended Fort Carson High School in Colorado. She finished her high school studies through a correspondence program in Fort Chimo.
Mary Simon's Career Journey
Starting Her Career
Mary Simon taught Inuktitut at McGill University. From 1969 to 1973, she worked as a producer and announcer for the CBC Northern Service. This was a radio and TV service for people in Canada's North.
She began her public service career by being elected secretary of the board of the Northern Quebec Inuit Association. In 1978, she became the vice-president, and later the president, of the Makivik Corporation. She held this important role until 1985.
During this time, she also worked with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, which is Canada's national organization for Inuit people. Mary Simon was a key negotiator for Inuit during the creation of the Canadian Constitution. She also took part in important meetings with Canada's leaders from 1982 to 1992. She was involved in the 1992 Charlottetown Accord discussions, which were about changes to Canada's Constitution.
She also served on the Nunavut Implementation Commission. This group helped create the territory of Nunavut. She was also a co-director for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples.
Diplomatic Work and International Relations
Mary Simon took on many roles for the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC). This organization works for Inuit people across the Arctic. She was an Executive Council member from 1980 to 1983. Then, she was president from 1986 to 1992. From 1992 to 1994, she was a Special Envoy. In 1986, as president of the ICC, Mary Simon led a group of Inuit from Canada, Alaska, and Greenland to Moscow. They met with Russian officials and Inuit people in the far east of Russia. In 1987, the ICC helped Russian Inuit attend the 1989 ICC General Assembly in Alaska.
Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs
In 1994, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien appointed Mary Simon as Canada's Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs. This was a new position, and she held it until 2004. She played a leading role in creating the Arctic Council. This council brings together eight countries to work on Arctic issues. The 1996 Ottawa Declaration officially created it. It made sure that Indigenous peoples in the Arctic could actively participate. Mary Simon worked closely with Indigenous groups and the other seven Arctic states.
During this time, Mary Simon was also the Canadian Ambassador to Denmark from 1999 to 2002. She was also a member and chairwoman of a committee for environmental cooperation.
In 2001, she became a Councillor for the International Council for Conflict Resolution at the Carter Center.
Continuing Public Service
From 2004 to 2005, Mary Simon advised the Labrador Inuit Association on their land claims agreement. On July 7, 2006, she was elected president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
Governor General of Canada
Becoming Governor General
After the previous Governor General resigned in early 2021, the government looked for a new person. Mary Simon was a top choice because of her Indigenous background. At that time, there was a strong focus on improving relationships with Indigenous peoples in Canada. On July 6, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Queen Elizabeth II had approved Mary Simon's appointment. She became the 30th Governor General of Canada. She had a meeting with the Queen on July 22, though it was online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
She was given special roles, like being the Chancellor of the Order of Canada and other important Canadian honours. She was officially sworn in at the Senate of Canada Building on July 26, 2021.
Her appointment was a bit unusual because she speaks English and Inuktitut, but not fluent French. This led to some complaints from Francophone Canadians. They felt it broke the tradition of having a Governor General who speaks both official languages.
Her Time in Office
The Spirit of Ajuinnata
Mary Simon sees the idea of Ajuinnata as a very important part of her role as governor general. Ajuinnata is an Inuktitut word that means many things. It's like a promise to never give up, or a strong commitment to take action, even when things are very difficult. Mary Simon shared that her mother and grandmother taught her this word. It is a key concept for Inuit people. She believes the spirit of Ajuinnata inspired her to work for a better life for Inuit in Canada.
Visit to Germany
Mary 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. During her visit, Mary Simon met with President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel. She discussed with President Steinmeier how leaders can acknowledge and make amends for difficult parts of their countries' history. These included the Holocaust and the Canadian Indian residential school system. She also attended the Frankfurt Book Fair and a discussion about Arctic exploration.
Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee
On February 6, 2022, Mary Simon honoured Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee. This marked 70 years of the Queen's reign. Mary Simon said that much had changed in those seven decades. She mentioned Canada's friendships with other nations, medical advancements, and the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She also noted the historic appointments of the first Canadian, first woman, and first Indigenous person as governor general.
Mary Simon and her husband met the Queen for the first time on March 15, 2022, at Windsor Castle. The Queen hosted them for afternoon tea. This was a historic meeting between the Canadian monarch and the first Indigenous governor general. Mary Simon later said they talked about global events and their recovery from COVID-19. She also told the Queen that Canada's history books should be updated to truly show the relationship between the Canadian Crown and Indigenous peoples of Canada.
In May 2022, Mary Simon hosted Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. They were on their Platinum Jubilee tour of Canada. During this visit, Mary Simon gave Prince Charles an important military honour.
Mary 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, a concert at the palace, and a parade. Canadian military personnel were also part of the parade.
Mary Simon encouraged all Canadians to work together. She said this would "truly honour the life, legacy and reign of Her Majesty The Queen." She felt this was something worth celebrating.
Papal Visit to Canada
On April 1, 2022, Mary Simon released a statement after Pope Francis apologized to an Indigenous delegation at the Vatican. Mary Simon said she 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 to continue this journey with Indigenous peoples on their own lands.
Pope Francis visited Canada from July 24 to 29, 2022. Mary Simon took part in several events during this papal visit. After the Pope's apology in Maskwacis on July 25, Mary Simon said, "Today was a day that moved us forward, giving Survivors words that may help them heal." She also noted that such days can bring up complex emotions.
Transition of the Crown
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When Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022, Mary Simon became the first governor general to serve under two monarchs since 1936. Mary Simon said, "Her Majesty's warm welcome when we spent time with her earlier this year was a profound moment in our lives and a memory we will cherish forever." In a message to Canadians, she said, "Her Majesty cared about people, about our well-being. This was clear every time we spoke. She cared about Canada, and all the unique stories that make up our beautiful country."
On September 10, Mary Simon signed the official document for King Charles III to become King. This happened at Rideau Hall after a meeting of the King's Privy Council for Canada. Mary Simon stated that "the Crown endures and thrives as a symbol of service, tradition and commitment. His Majesty The King ascends at an important time in history for Canada and the Commonwealth."
Mary Simon and her husband were part of the Canadian group at the Queen's state funeral in London on September 19. She said, "We were fortunate to have The Queen with us for so long. On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank our Queen, our monarch, one last time, for her love and her commitment to our country and our people."
In May 2023, just before the coronation of King Charles III, Mary Simon arranged a meeting at Buckingham Palace. King Charles met with three Indigenous leaders: National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, President Natan Obed, and President Cassidy Caron. Mary Simon said the King "understands the importance of walking the path of reconciliation with Canada and Indigenous peoples."
Mary Simon and her husband attended a reception hosted by the King on May 5, 2023. They also attended the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023. For the coronation, Mary Simon wore a special Canadian design by an artist from Nunavik. She said that 70 years had passed since the last Coronation. This offered a chance to think about how much Canada, the Commonwealth, and the world had changed. She noted that while the Crown has changed, it remains a strong symbol for Canada's democracy.
On May 7, 2023, Mary Simon attended the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.
Mary Simon's Personal Life
Mary Simon is the second oldest of eight children. Her brother, Johnny May, is a well-known bush pilot in their community. When she was younger, Mary Simon and her family attended an Anglican church. At one point in her life, she faced health challenges but gradually overcame them.
Mary 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. Mary Simon has two sons and one daughter. She speaks English and Inuktitut.
Honours and Recognition
Mary Simon has received many important honours throughout her career.
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She is an Extraordinary Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honour in Canada. She is also an Extraordinary Commander of the Order of Military Merit and a Commander of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. In 1992, she was made an Officer of the National Order of Quebec. She received the Governor General's Northern Medal in 2011.
Mary Simon has also received several honorary degrees from universities across Canada. These include degrees from McGill University, Queen's University, and the University of British Columbia.
Arms
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See also
In Spanish: Mary Simon para niños
