May 5, 2026 – Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, Quebec – The Avataq Cultural Institute extends its highest gratitude to Her Excellency Mary Simon for her work over the past five years as Canada’s 30th Governor General. She demonstrated great courage in taking on the role knowing her appointment as Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General would bring criticism from segments of Canadian Society. Avataq, the Inuit Cultural Institute of Nunavik also sends its gratitude and respect to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his courage in naming her to the office.
Mary Simon’s 2021 appointment as Canada’s first indigenous Governor General was celebrated and seen as a turning point in Canada’s long history of racism and abuse against the countries’ Indigenous community. It was also seen by young Inuit as an acknowledgement of their rightful place in Canadian and Quebec society.
“We found the criticisms about her ability to speak the French language extremely disappointing and disheartening,” said William Tagoona, President of the Avataq Cultural Institute. “We feel the focus on her French language abilities truly missed the point of her historic appointment.”
Her Excellency Mary Simon has dedicated her life to advancing Inuit rights, education, and Arctic sovereignty. Our support for her term as Governor General demonstrates our respect for the Inuit of Nunavik and aligns with reconciliation efforts across Canada.
We congratulate and look forward to working with Canada’s 31st Governor General-Designate, Louise Arbour, in our work to preserve, protect, and advance Inuktitut in Quebec.
