Mary Simon Appointed Canadian Governor General

‘My Inuktitut name is Ningiukudluk, and Prime Minister, it means bossy little old lady,’ Simon said, eliciting laughter when she assumed office as Canada’s new Governor General Monday morning.

The prominent Nunavik Inuk leader and diplomat was named to the post earlier this month, making her the country’s first Indigenous Governor General, according to Nunatsiaq News.

The Governor General acts as the Queen’s representative in Canada. As a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II serves as the country’s head of state.

The Governor General is responsible for carrying out a number of ceremonial and constitutional duties, serving as the commander-in-chief of the military and representing Canada at home and abroad.