On July 6, history was made in Canada: an Indigenous woman was appointed to the position of Governor General. The appointment of Mary Simon, who has dedicated her life to the advancement of Indigenous rights and the revitalization of culture, embodies an important shift in Canada that is simultaneously symbolic and hopeful.
Mary Simon has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, addressing the social, economic and human rights issues facing Indigenous peoples across this land. Her passion and drive for justice was instrumental in bringing the interests of Inuit in particular to the attention of the Canadian government and the United Nations, leading to the inclusion of Inuit in the Constitution Act, 1982.
As a fellow Indigenous woman and president of the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), the importance of this appointment is also deeply personal. Over the past 50 years of our existence as an organization, we have watched many Indigenous women step into leadership roles without acknowledgment or title. As nations, we rely on Indigenous women to be leaders in our families and communities. We also rely on them to bring the best of our culture and our teachings to the table as leaders.
While many have loudly decried this appointment, arguing the authority of the Governor General is only symbolic, what such nearsighted criticisms have overlooked is the fact that symbols are inherently powerful. Throughout history, symbols have been the foundation of our diverse systems of communication, with each symbol evoking our ideas, emotions and values.
Symbols are therefore ultimately a reflection of our societal beliefs. Yes, the symbol of the Governor General starts with the recognition that Canada is deeply connected to another strong woman, Queen Elizabeth II. We are a colonial nation, and much as I wish it were otherwise, we cannot turn back the clock, nor can we deny our collective history. We are all Treaty people here, and it was indeed the Crown that the original people of Canada recognized as our partner in building Canada, negotiating those foundational agreements.
Tragically, the atrocities that have been revealed over the last month in Canada have opened our eyes to a horrifying truth. As we question our national narrative, many have begun to actively consider how to move forward now that we know the truth. Who better to help us see the path forward, navigating healing and reconciliation, than a woman who is the embodiment of the unity we seek? Mary’s mother was Inuk and her father was non-Indigenous — having spent her entire life navigating this reality, she just might have some ideas about how to move forward as Canadians.
The ONWA has had the opportunity to work with Mary Simon in many capacities, most recently on the Indigenous Women’s Safety Table, convened by the ONWA in 2020. This table brings together Indigenous women from across Canada with expertise on missing and murdered women, girls and two-spirit people to identify solutions to improve the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and girls in Canada. Mary’s contribution to the table was consistent with what we need across this country at this time: honesty, integrity and the willingness to work tirelessly without personal reward.
The fact that we now have an Indigenous woman in the highest position in Canada, which before this week was inconceivable, suggests that Canadian society may be ready for change — beginning with a fundamental shift in the role we play as Indigenous peoples within the walls of Rideau Hall. We will no longer be window dressing, invited to functions as decorations to set the stage for the authority in the room. An Indigenous person will now be the authority in the room, representing Canada and all that we stand for to the never-ending stream of dignitaries and leaders.
Perhaps as a society we are ready to face the truth of our history. Maybe we want different types of leadership and an opportunity to learn how to face our challenges together. Mary Simon can help envision a positive way forward for all Canadians, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and we wish her the very best on this journey.
From one Indigenous leader to another, we will be supporting her all the way.
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