Through a tumultuous few months in Canadian politics, one person could always be counted on for calm: the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. That’s the job, after all — the Governor General serves as the diplomatic head of state, above the political jockeying and heated campaigning.
Simon, whose mother is Inuk, is a long-time champion for Indigenous Rights and became the first Indigenous person to serve as Governor General when she was appointed in 2021. She lives on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation in Rideau Hall, the Governor General’s residence in Ottawa. She was born in Kangiqsualujjuaq, a village at the eastern edge of Nunavik, Que., not far from the Torngat Mountains, where she grew up making kayaks and picking berries. Here, she tells us what an Arctic fox has in common with a diplomat and why Indigenous knowledge is key to successful climate initiatives.
I’ve been truly fortunate to explore every corner of this country. From the rugged beauty of my home in Nunavik in the Arctic, to the towering mountains of British Columbia and the Yukon and the coastal charm of the Atlantic provinces. In every region, I find a deep connection to nature, a shared spirit of resilience and diverse communities whose warmth and heritage enrich our collective experience.
As an Indigenous person who calls the Arctic her home, Arctic landscapes across the circumpolar region often leave me awe-struck. I have been fortunate to visit Iceland to work with Arctic partners on circumpolar issues. I am struck by the beauty of Iceland’s landscape and the resiliency of its people. Surrounded by massive mountains and vast landscapes, you cannot help but feel humbled by nature’s power.
Kiss: The Arctic fox is famous for its endurance and long-distance migratory treks, which reminds me of my years as a diplomat and advocate for circumpolar affairs. An Arctic fox is included in my coat of arms for this reason.
Marry: The caribou hold a special place for the Inuit as they have been very important for our survival for millennia. Caribou provide clothing, tools and warmth, as well as food rich in vitamins and nutrients.
Kill: Arctic char is an important food for Inuit. It can be eaten raw, frozen, dried, smoked, aged or cooked and tastes delicious. My favourite way to eat it is cooked with rice and corn.
Through my life and work in the North, I gained a deeper understanding of how climate change affects vulnerable communities and the alarming rate at which this is happening. When I heard stories from Indigenous leaders and community members about how climate change is disrupting traditional ways of life, I began to see it in a new light.
Climate change has taken on greater urgency in my lifetime. A warming Arctic has diverse and far-reaching consequences for all people, for Indigenous traditions and for our planet. The increase in wildfires has led to housing precarity, while new shipping routes are affecting global security. A warming planet affects farming, which can increase food insecurity. As climate change disproportionately affects people who are already facing challenges, such as remote communities, it’s so important for us to find solutions.
By involving Indigenous knowledge keepers in consultation processes, climate initiatives are more likely to be effective and long lasting. Communities can also take the lead, which will help ensure their success.
In many traditional cultures, women have long been stewards of the environment, safeguarding the health of the land, water and wildlife. As a mother and a grandmother, I can see how women’s concern for climate change can stem from a deep sense of responsibility for the future of our children, families and communities. But I have always been more focused on working together, on uniting not dividing. Building inclusive coalitions is essential to effecting lasting change.
I try to appreciate and connect with the land around me, whether it’s through a quiet walk in nature, paying attention to the changing seasons or simply spending time outdoors. I love to go kayaking, as Inuit have done for thousands of years. When I was young, I was taught the traditional method for making kayaks, using skins and needles made of bone. In the late summer and early fall, I love to go berry picking. It brings back treasured memories of my mother and grandmother, which have stuck with me all my life. This connection helps ground me and reminds me of the importance of protecting our environment for future generations.
Indigenous approaches to the land are rooted to our connection between the land and the people. Growing up, my father, mother and grandmother played pivotal roles in shaping my connection to nature. They taught me the traditional Inuit ways of hunting, fishing, sewing Inuit clothing, cooking and travelling by dog sled. They demonstrated how ancient wisdom still matters. Through them, I learned the importance of respecting the land and its resources.
Indigenous people recognize that the health of the land is the health of the people. Speaking Inuktitut at home and in my community reinforced the critical connection of language to identity, culture and to the land. I still speak Inuktitut whenever I can as it keeps me connected to my culture. Knowledge is embedded in language and is lost when language is lost.
I would most like to have an impact on the relationship young people have with the natural world. Youth will inherit the challenges and responsibilities of preserving our environment. Thankfully, many young people already understand the importance of sustainability and how essential it is to preserve a deep connection to nature. We need to include young people in important discussions, to give them a seat at the table. By nurturing a sense of respect, wonder and responsibility toward the environment, we can empower young people to become stewards of the earth and advocates for positive change.
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