Mary May Simon was the first Indigenous person to become the Governor General of Canada. She was installed as the 30th Governor General of Canada on July 26, 2021. For the ceremony, she wore an outfit that was sewn and designed by Inuit seamstresses, Julie Grenier and Victoria Okpik.
As Governor General, she plays an important role in the Canadian government. The Governor General frequently meets with the prime minister and members of parliament. They deliver speeches, sign official documents, and help make decisions in parliament.
Mary May Simon grew up in Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik. Early in her career, she worked as a broadcaster for CBC North. She also worked to protect Inuit rights in various roles in the Northern Quebec Inuit Association, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Makivik Corporation, the Executive Council of the Inuit Circumpolar Council, the Nunavut Implementation Commission, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, and more.
Mary May Simon played an important role in creating the Arctic Council and the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, which helps to provide support and safe spaces for Inuit children and teens.
AuthorAuthor - A person who writes something Auteur - Une personne qui écrit quelque chose: Text by LEARN Social Sciences, based on text on the Governor General of Canada page, CBC North, and the ACTF. This text was approved by the office of the Governor General of Canada prior to posting.
