Inuk leader Mary Simon named Canada’s next governor general

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has named Mary Simon as the next Governor General of Canada.

Simon, an Inuk leader and former Canadian diplomat, will be the first Indigenous person to serve in the role.

During a news conference in Quebec Tuesday morning, Trudeau said in order to move forward the country needs to build bridges between people in the North and South, just like the East and West.

“Mary Simon has done that throughout her life. I know she will help continue paving that path ahead. And we will all be stronger for it,” said Trudeau. “Today after 154 years, our country takes a historic step. I cannot think of a better person to meet the moment.”

Simon was born in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec and is a longtime advocate for Inuit culture and rights. She also served as Canada’s ambassador to Denmark and the Canadian ambassador for circumpolar affairs.

Simon recognized her appointment as a “historic and inspirational moment for Canada, and a step forward on the long path towards reconciliation.”

The governor general represents the Queen at the federal level in Canada and is the country’s acting head of state.