b'INUIT LEADERSHIPThe Honourable MARY SIMON By Bryan HansenPaving the way for IndigenousHer Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. Photo credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, leadership inRideau HallOSGG-BSGG, 2021.CanadaI n 2021, Canada made history by appointing the Honourable Mary Simon as its first Indigenous Governor General. For the first time, the countrys highest representative role was filled by an Inuk womana powerful step towards representation and inclu-sivity. But Simons appointment is more than just symbolic. Her leadership, deeply rooted in her Inuit heritage, has shifted the landscape of Canadian politics and set a precedent for Indigenous women in leadership across the country.A NEW ERA FOR INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIPAs Governor General, Simon faces the challenge of representing both the colonial system and her Indigenous communitya balance not easily achieved. Mikki Adams, an Inuk woman from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, and the executive director of Inuuqatigiit, has been deeply inspired by Simons leader-ship. Her Excellency Mary Simon is a transformational leader. Shes not just occupying a high officeshes using her role to provide a voice for Inuit women and the larger Indigenous community, Adams explains. Its liberating and empowering to see someone like her in this position.24Fall/Winter 2024'