Governor General of Canada to make first official visit to Nunavut
To mark the 25th anniversary of the territory of Nunavut, Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, accompanied by her husband, Whit Fraser, will make an official visit to Nunavut from April 1 to 4, 2024.
According to information released by the Rideau Hall Press Office, Mrs. Simon will visit Iqaluit, Kimmirut and Qikiqtarjuaq, where she will meet with territorial dignitaries, municipal leaders, elders and youth.
This will be the Governor General’s first official visit to Nunavut. In July 2022, Mary Simon travelled to Iqaluit to follow Pope Francis’ address to community members after a meeting with residential school survivors, and to take part in his farewell ceremony.
This visit is part of an extensive program of visits to every province and territory to enable the Governor General to meet Canadians from every corner of the country.
“As she visits these communities, the Governor General will bring awareness to issues of significance in Nunavut and across Canada, including climate change, mental health, cultural preservation and education. Her meetings with Nunavummiut will also offer opportunities to shine a light on inspiring change agents and underscore the innovative and resilient spirit of Canadians.“, excerpt from the press release.
Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada
Mary Simon was born on August 21, 1947 in Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik, Quebec, Canada. She is considered an Inuit leader and diplomat who has played an important role in defending native rights and protecting the environment.
Ms. Simon was President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, a national organization representing Inuit people in Canada, from 2006 to 2012. She has also held various positions within the federal government, including Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs.
In 2021, she was appointed Canada’s 30th Governor General, becoming the first Indigenous person to hold this position. Throughout her career, Ms. Simon has championed Indigenous languages, cultures and self-determination, as well as the effects of climate change on Indigenous communities.
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