UCalgary welcomes Mary Simon’s appointment as Governor General

The University of Calgary is celebrating Mary Simon’s appointment as the first Indigenous Governor General. The university awarded Simon an honorary degree in 2017 for her work advocating for Indigenous peoples, including serving as the president of the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

In addition, she is a co-creator of the Arctic Council, was Canada’s first ambassador for circumpolar affairs, and served as ambassador to Denmark. She grew up in Kangiqsualujjuaq, in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec, and began her career with CBC North.

She called her appointment, “a historic and inspirational moment for Canada and an important step forward on the long path towards reconciliation.”

UCalgary President Ed McCauley heralded the choice. “These are wrenching times for Canadians as we learn more about our tragic history of assimilation. Mary Simon’s appointment as Governor General is welcome. She has been a dedicated leader to promoting Inuit rights and has brought diverse people together to recognize the circumpolar region’s importance. Thanks to her work, Indigenous people have a greater role in the Arctic’s environment and development. The University of Calgary  looks forward to all her contributions as Governor General and is privileged to have awarded her an honorary degree.”

Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement, Michael Hart, said, “The appointment of Mary Simon carries deep meaning about Canada’s efforts to engage differently with Indigenous nations. While she takes on the role at a difficult time, her appointment is a model for institutions across the country. Indigenous peoples have contributed much to Canada and beyond, and will continue to do so. We will all be better off as institutions and communities recognize these contributions and work to remove barriers to Indigenous excellence.