The Mushkegowuk Council of Chiefs is offering best wishes and expressing its appreciation to Mary Simon, Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, whose five-year term is due to end in July.

Deputy Grand Chief Natasha Martin recalled meeting Simon after she was newly appointed as governor general. The Deputy Grand Chief described her as an inspiration.

“For an Indigenous woman to hold that office, it really gave space for other Indigenous female leaders,” said Martin. “Meeting her was such a great honour and, for me, it was very inspiring.”

Simon was raised in a traditional Inuit lifestyle and was a long-time advocate through her involvement with various national Inuit organizations. She maintained a sense of advocacy on Indigenous affairs even after being appointed Canada’s governor general in July 2021.

“She was very interested in all aspects of all Indigenous people in Canada,” said Martin.

Grand Chief Leo Friday agreed, noting that Gov-Gen Simon engaged with Mushkegowuk staff on several occasions at different functions.

“She was aware of what we were trying to do in James Bay and Hudson Bay with the proposed NMCA (National Marine Conservation Area) and the difficulties we were having in trying to protect the land,” said Friday

“She shared a vision of having to protect the waters of James Bay and Hudson Bay, and for all people along the shores to work together. She was always adamant that protection of the land is a priority for all people who are out here.”

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Simon’s replacement, naming former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour as Canada’s next governor general.