OTTAWA – Senate Chamber: an elder Inuk lights the qulliq, the traditional Inuit lamp that represents the light and warmth of family and community. And the Aboriginal Mary Simon, 73, “accompanied” in the Senate by the rhythm of a group of Inuit percussionists, after walking the red carpet to the applause, pronounces her first words: “I am honored, honored and ready to be the Canada’s first indigenous Governor-General”.
It was a particular ceremony that today saw Simon’s official investiture as the thirtieth governor general in the history of the country, a country “which must find the humility necessary to create a more just society”, Simon said in her inaugural address in which she touched on a series of themes, but insisted very much on the need to rethink the way in which Canada sees reconciliation with indigenous peoples. “Reconciliation – she said – will not be achieved through projects and services to indigenous peoples, but is rather a lifestyle that requires daily work and mutual knowledge”.
“Our society – she added – must recognize together our moments of regret, alongside those that give us pride, because it creates space for healing, acceptance and the rebuilding of trust. I will strive to build bridges between different backgrounds and cultures that reflect the uniqueness of our great country “.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named Mary Simon, an Inuk leader with a diplomatic career behind him, as Queen Elizabeth II’s representative in Canada earlier this month, replacing Julie Payette who stepped down in January after the allegations related to her alleged “toxic” management of office staff. A choice that came in the midst of a national showdown after the discovery of nameless graves in the sites of former residential schools where Aboriginal children, according to a government program, were “re-educated” in Western culture. “Clearly, this marks another step on the road to reconciliation, with the indigenous peoples of Canada beginning to find their rightful place in the Confederacy,” said David Chartrand, president of the Manitoba Metis Federation.
“During her illustrious career – said Justin Trudeau – she (Mary Simon) has shown a profound commitment to advancing social, economic and human rights issues. She has played a leading role in strengthening ties between the peoples of the Arctic regions, both nationally and internationally. As Governor General of Canada and administrator of our country’s Constitution and institutions, I know that she will contribute her unique experience and perspective to represent Canadians in all their diversity, both here at home and abroad, with dignity and integrity, and in both official languages. I am also confident that, as Canada’s commander-in-chief, she will work to support the brave members of the Canadian military who make enormous sacrifices for the security of our country and our people”.
“I am inspired by the historical nature of this moment – continued the Canadian premier – as our country continues to deal with the difficult realities of our collective past. I know that, as Canada’s first indigenous governor general, (Mary Simon) will be dedicated to helping us as we face these difficult truths together, walk the shared path of reconciliation, and build bridges between all who call our homeland”.
“I invite all Canadians – concluded the prime minister – to find hope and inspiration in this important step forward for our country and to join me in wishing her well as she brings her vision of a more just, more equitable and fairer to the highest and oldest office in our country”.
In the photos (taken from the Governor General of Canada’s Twitter page): above, Mary Simon; below, an elder Inuk lights the qulliq in the Senate Chamber
