Tuesday marked a historic moment in Canadian history with the appointment of Governor General Designate Mary Simon. From the Nunavik Region of northern Quebec, Simon is the first indigenous person to hold the position.
The announcement sparked a positive reaction as a step in the right direction.
“She has walked in two worlds for long enough that she is able to understand what’s happening but also bring her own life experience and her own world to this,” said Patty Quinn, Indigenous affairs coordinator for Mount Allison University.
Quinn was thrilled to hear an Inuk Leader would serve as the representative of the Queen.
The move comes as Canada begins confronting the dark past that was forced upon Indigenous people.
“I think its high time that the oppressed become part of making changes and being part of reconciliation.”
Quinn was pleased to hear Simon addressing the public Inuktitut, noting that it likely made her community proud.
While she was quite pleased with the appointment of Simon, Quinn believes the hard work is far from finished.
“I think there’s tons and tons of work to be done, and everybody has to do their part in it, but this is one step towards reconciliation.”
