NunatuKavut President congratulates Mary Simon as first Indigenous Governor General
HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, LABRADOR, JULY 8, 2021 – NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC) President Todd Russell issued the following statement today in response to the appointment of Inuk leader Mary Simon as Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General:
“I was very happy to hear that Mary Simon, a prominent Inuk leader, had been named Governor General. Over the years and in various capacities I had an opportunity to meet Ms. Simon. As a fellow Inuk, a person who lives on my Inuit homeland (nunangat), I have always been inspired with her passion, knowledge determination and resolve when advocating for Inuit rights. I am confident that she will imbue her work with these same qualities as she takes on the role of Governor General.
On behalf of NCC and NunatuKavut Inuit, we offer our sincere congratulations to Ms. Simon on her historic appointment. She has said that she will utilize all her past experiences to help her in the work ahead. I know there are many, particularly women and girls throughout NunatuKavut, who will see in Ms. Simon a person who they relate to because of her life experiences and where she is from. They will see in her a role model and what one can achieve. We are hopeful this appointment will result in a more a positive, affirming relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples and another step forward toward reconciliation.”
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Media Contact:
Kelly Broomfield
Director of Communications, NCC
T. 709-280-5965
E. communications@nunatukavut.ca