Mary Simon appointed Canada's 1st Indigenous governor general
Diplomat Mary Simon will become the first Indigenous person to serve as Canada's governor general, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday. Simon, an Inuk leader and former Canadian ambassador, was a longtime advocate for Inuit rights and culture before Trudeau picked her to serve as the representative of Queen Elizabeth II in Canada. "Today, after 154 years, our country takes a historic step," Trudeau said at a news conference at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. "I cannot think of a better person to meet the moment." Simon began her remarks in Knuktitut then said in English that her appointment marked "a historic and inspirational moment for Canada, and an important step forward on the long path towards reconciliation." Simon replaces Julie Payette, who resigned in January after facing allegations of workplace harassment and bullying. [The Washington Post, BBC News]