Sask. Lt. Gov. Russ Mirasty was also appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in July 2019. (Lieutenant Governor Of Saskatchewan)

By Derek Cornet

Historic appointment

First Nations leaders enthusiastic about appointment of new Governor General

Jul 6, 2021 | 5:45 PM

Saskatchewan Lt. Gov. Russ Mirasty is calling the appointment of Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General historic.

“I am also very pleased to hear and see an Indigenous person, especially an Indigenous woman, has been named as our new governor general,” he said of Inuk leader Mary Simon’s appointment to the role by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday. “We look at all of the discussion around reconciliation, around inclusion, around diversity, and it’s always been a position of Indigenous leaders, particularly, that more Indigenous people should be appointed to these high-level offices.”

Simon, who is from Kuujjuaq along the northeastern shore of Quebec, is bilingual in English and Inuktitut. She attended the federal Fort Chimo day school and lived a traditional lifestyle in the subarctic region. Her mother is Inuk and her father was a Caucasian fur trader originally from Manitoba.

Mirasty explained it’s important for Indigenous people such as Simon to be elevated to prestigious government position to ensure it brings Indigenous perspectives into those offices. He noted her upbringing will allow her to bring a unique perspective.

“The ability to look at both worlds and find that balance where people can come together and work together and look to the future together,” Mirasty said. “There are always challenges inherent in these position, regardless of who fills them, but for Indigenous Peoples, I can relate to that.”

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Mirasty himself was appointed to the position of Saskatchewan’s lieutenant governor by Trudeau back in July 2019. He said Simon will need to balance the expectation of the role, which has contributed to difficulties with implementing treaties for generations, with being part of a positive change society is looking for.

“At the end of the day, it was about that for me,” Mirasty said. “It’s becoming involved so you can be part of the change or maybe be a catalyst for some change within the systems that govern us or look after us.”

Former northern MP says appointment ‘a good move’

La Loche Mayor Georgina Jolibois, who served as an NDP MP between 2015 and 2019 for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, was also happy with Simon’s appointment. She called it a momentous moment, especially at a time when Indigenous peoples are mourning the news of more than 1,000 remains of children found so far at residential school sites in Canada.

La Loche Mayor Georgina Jolibois said the appointment is a good move and brings hope. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Jolibois also praised the knowledge and skills Simon will bring to the position.

“She can sit with Elders and then she can also sit with the … level of the prime minister, cabinet ministers and even speaking to the Queen. I’m hoping she has skills in building bridges and building more and more relationships and help to increase the capacity among Indigenous people [and] communities across Canada.”

Jolibois mentioned the treatment of Indigenous Peoples by Canadians throughout history has not been positive and appointment’s like Simons’ can lead to healing and a more united country.

“Truth and reconciliation is a tough journey, but a really good journey to be on because we are strengthening Canada together,” she said. “Indigenous people now we have a governor general. We’ve had several Indigenous MPs, some of them are still serving. We are contributing to realizing Canadian history in a positive way.”

Prince Albert representative has reservations

Prince Albert’s Tony Head is one of two self-identified Indigenous representatives on city council and he told paNOW he has his reservations about the appointment.

“When I see something done or something changed, then I’ll be excited about that new appointment,” he said, adding he hopes to see Simon make a stop in Prince Albert, or at least in the province.

Tony Head. (City of Prince Albert)

Critics of the appointment have suggested it’s more of a political move, and a sign that a federal election may be around the corner. Head agreed that’s possible.

“I would like to think this is a genuine move and it’s because it’s needed or required. Not because it’s someone trying to get elected,” he said.

– With files from Nigel Maxwell

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno