OTTAWA,
ON, Sept. 26, 2024 /CNW/ - When I was
appointed as Canada's first
Indigenous governor general, it was on the basis of my many years
of experience as a bridge builder between different communities and
nations, an advocate for education, a defender of Indigenous
rights, and my longstanding commitment to advance reconciliation
between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. While fluent
in Inuktitut and English, I was not able to speak French.
As a Canadian and as a Quebecer, I understand
very well the critical relationship among identity, culture and
language. That is why speaking my mother tongue, Inuktitut,
has been an integral part of who I am. That is why I am so
committed to the revitalization and preservation of all Indigenous
languages. I understand the importance of French to French-speaking
Canadians as a critical part of their cultures and identities. That
is one of the reasons that, as I took on my role as governor
general, I committed to learning French and continue to practice,
improve and use all three languages.
I remain committed to what I said in my installation speech, I
will strive to build bridges across the diverse backgrounds and
cultures that reflect our great country's uniqueness and promise as
I continue to shine a light on issues that matter to Canadians.
Mary Simon
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SOURCE Governor General of Canada