Official visit to Governor General’s home region of Nunavik

May 9 to 13, 2022

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser undertook an official visit to Nunavik, northern Quebec, from May 9 to 13, 2022.

During the visit to the Governor General’s home region, Their Excellencies travelled to Kuujjuaq, on the Koksoak River; to Kangiqsualujjuaq, at the mouth of the George River near where Her Excellency was born; and to Inukjuak, on the eastern coast of Hudson Bay.

Their Excellencies met with Inuit leaders, youth groups, teachers, students and members of Nunavik organizations to discuss community wellness, the importance of education, Indigenous reconciliation and mental health. They also learned about new wellness programs in support of youth and families.

May 9, 2022

In the morning, Her Excellency met with representatives from Makivik Corporation, Kativik Regional Government (KRG), Nunavik Regional Board of Health & Social Services (NHBHSS), Kativik Ilisarniliriniq (school board) and Qarjuit Youth Council.

Next, Her Excellency was greeted by a Canadian Rangers guard of honour in front of Katittavik Town Hall before taking part in a meeting with Her Worship Mary Johannes, Mayor of Kuujjuaq and with councillors to discuss local issues, projects and plans. 

In the afternoon, Their Excellencies visited the Isuarsivik Recovery Centre’s Qarmak at the Three Lakes Site. Their Excellencies discussed Isuarsivik’s culturally based wellness program that promotes Inuit pride, self-empowerment and healing, and toured the organization’s new centre.

Later in the day, Her Excellency spoke with students at the Jannimmarik High School and answered their questions as part of a town hall. Jaanimmarik School has about 350 students, from Grade 4 to Secondary V. The school offers courses in English, French and Inuktitut, and is part of Kativik Ilisarniliriniq (school board), created under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.

Next, Their Excellencies visited the Tusaajiapik Elders’ Home in Kuujjuaq. The Tusaajiapik Elders’ Home is a living environment adapted to Inuit culture. 

The Governor General is sitting at a large conference table. She is speaking with a man.

Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, and Mr. Whit Fraser undertook an official visit to Nunavik, northern Quebec.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0085-004
The Governor General is sitting at a large conference table with several other people.

The first morning, Her Excellency met with representatives from Makivik Corporation, Kativik Regional Government (KRG), Nunavik Regional Board of Health & Social Services (NHBHSS), Kativik Ilisarniliriniq (school board) and Qarjuit Youth Council.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0085-014
The Governor General is saying hello to residents outside.

The Governor General spoke and met with residents.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0086-002
The Governor General is greeting Canadian Rangers.

Her Excellency was greeted by a Canadian Rangers guard of honour in front of Katittavik Town Hall.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0086-012
The Governor General is greeting Canadian Rangers.

Her Excellency was greeted by a Canadian Rangers guard of honour in front of Katittavik Town Hall before taking part in a meeting with Her Worship Mary Johannes, Mayor of Kuujjuaq.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0086-038
The Governor General is sitting at a large conference table. The Mayor of Kuujjuaq is standing.

Her Excellency took part in a meeting with Her Worship Mary Johannes, Mayor of Kuujjuaq and with councillors to discuss local issues, projects and plans.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0086-018
A group of people, including the Governor General, are watching an outdoor performance.

The Governor General spoke and met with residents.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0087-005
The Governor General is speaking with two residents.

The Governor General spoke and met with residents.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0087-015
The Governor General is wearing a beautifully decorated hooded shirt.

During the visit to the Governor General’s home region, Their Excellencies will travel to Kuujjuaq, on the Koksoak River; to Kangiqsualujjuaq, at the mouth of the George River near where Her Excellency was born; to Kangiqsujuaq, close to the Hudson Strait; and to Inukjuak, on the eastern coast of Hudson Bay.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0087-022

The Governor General spoke and met with residents.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0087-026
The Governor General is speaking to students in a gym.

Later in the day, Her Excellency spoke with students at the Jannimmarik High School and answered their questions as part of a town hall. Jaanimmarik School has about 350 students, from Grade 4 to Secondary V.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0088-028
View of the audience in a gym.

The school offers courses in English, French and Inuktitut, and is part of Kativik Ilisarniliriniq (school board), created under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0088-037

May 10, 2022

Their Excellencies were welcomed by His Worship McCombie Annanack, Mayor of Kangiqsualujjuaq, and a Canadian Rangers guard of honour at the Kangiqsualujjuaq Airport. Her Excellency discussed local issues, projects and plans with the Mayor and counsellors.

Next, they visited the Ulluriaq school where the Governor General presented a Governor General’s Academic Medal certificate.

Their Excellencies learned about the programming at the Qarmaapik House, which works with local families to provide crisis support and wellness activities.

In the afternoon, they visited the Kuururjuaq National Park Interpretation Centre, which includes a section about the Governor General’s father and many displays about the natural beauty of the park.

The Governor General is shaking hands with members of the Canadian Rangers guard.

Their Excellencies were welcomed by a Canadian Rangers guard of honour at the Kangiqsualujjuaq Airport.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0089-011
A crowd of people is waving outside the airport.

Their Excellencies were welcomed by a small crowd at the Kangiqsualujjuaq Airport.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0089-014
The Governor General is walking next to the Mayor of Kangiqsualujjuaq outside the airport.

Their Excellencies were welcomed by His Worship McCombie Annanack, Mayor of Kangiqsualujjuaq, at the Kangiqsualujjuaq Airport.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0089-018
The Governor General and the Mayor of Kangiqsualujjuaq are sitting at a table.

Her Excellency discussed local issues, projects and plans with His Worship McCombie Annanack, Mayor of Kangiqsualujjuaq, and counsellors.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0090-004
The Governor General is sitting at a table, smiling.

Her Excellency was born in 1947, near the present-day community of Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik (Quebec), to Nancy May (Angnatuk-Askew), her Inuk mother, and Bob Mardon May, who worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0090-012
The Governor General is waving hello to students as she enters a gym.

Their Excellencies visited the Ulluriaq school. The school is a primary and secondary school with approximately 240 students. It offers courses in English, French and Inuktitut.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0091-007
The Governor General is speaking at a podium in a school.

The Governor General presented a Governor General’s Academic Medal certificate at the school.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0091-010
Their Excellencies are sitting a table listening to a woman do a presentation.

Their Excellencies learned about the programming at Qarmaapik House, which works with local families to provide crisis support and wellness activities.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0092-013
The Governor General is speaking with people from the community.

The Qarmaapik Family House is a safe house for children and families that provides counselling services, programs for young parents, family activities and training for counsellors.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0092-020
The Governor General is looking at a display.

Their Excellencies visited the Kuururjuaq National Park Interpretation Centre.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0093-027
The Governor General is posing for a picture by a sign for the Kuururjuaq National Park Interpretation Centre.

The Kuururjuaq National Park Interpretation Centre includes a section about the Governor General’s father and many displays about the natural beauty of the park.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0093-040

The Kuururjuaq National Park Interpretation Centre was built in 2010. The exhibits in the centre showcase the beauty of this provincial park, which covers 4 460 km2 on the northern tip of the Quebec-Labrador Peninsula.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0093-044
Two throat singers are performing on-stage.

Their Excellencies participated in a gathering with members of the community.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0094-017
A woman is playing guitar on-stage.

Their Excellencies participated in a gathering with members of the community.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0094-041
The Governor General is playing the accordion.

Her Excellency has held numerous key Inuit leadership positions, including president of Makivik Corporation, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Inuit Circumpolar Council.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0094-048

May 11, 2022

Unfortunately, Governor General Simon was unable to make her way to Kangiqsujuaq, due to difficult flying conditions.

May 12, 2022

Her Excellency met with His Worship Pauloosie Kasudluak, Mayor of Inukjuak, and with councillors to discuss local issues, projects and plans.

Next, Their Excellencies met with staff and students Innalik School and observed cultural performances. Her Excellency gave informal remarks, presented a Governor General’s Academic Medal certificate and participated in a town hall.

At lunch, they helped staff and volunteers at the Sirivik Food Centre serve food to the residents of Inukjuak.

In the afternoon, Their Excellencies visited to the Avataq Cultural Institute where they discussed the protection and promotion of Inuit culture and language with Avataq staff.

Later on, Her Excellency spoke with girls at the Qulliq Youth Rehabilitation Centre for Girls, followed by a visit to the Unaaq Men’s Association, where Their Excellencies took part in rope making for dog teams.

The Governor General is shaking hands with the Mayor of Inukjuak.

Their Excellencies were greeted by His Worship Pauloosie Kasudluak, Mayor of Inukjuak, at the Inukjuak Airport.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0096-007
The Governor General is shaking hands with members of the Canadian Rangers guard.

Their Excellencies were greeted by a Canadian Rangers guard of honour at the Inukjuak Airport.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0096-011
Their Excellencies were greeted by a crowd of people in the airport.

Their Excellencies were greeted by a crowd of people at the Inukjuak Airport.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0096-014
The Governor General is seated in a conference room.

Her Excellency met with the Mayor of Inukjuak and with councillors to discuss local issues, projects and plans.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0097-008
The Governor General is shaking hands with a young girl at school.

Their Excellencies met with staff and students at Innalik School and observed cultural performances.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0098-011
The Governor General is speaking to student in a gym.

Her Excellency gave informal remarks, presented a Governor General’s Academic Medal certificate and participated in a town hall.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0098-023
Their Excellencies are watching two throat singers performing.

Innalik School is a primary and secondary school with more than 400 students. It offers courses in English, French and Inuktitut,

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0098-060
Their Excellencies are serving meals.

Their Excellencies helped staff and volunteers serve food to the residents of Inukjuak at the Sirivik Food Centre.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0099-008
A woman has a bowl of fire in front of her.

Sirivik Food Centre provides a wide range of programs and initiatives, and finds creative solutions to addressing food security in Inukjuak.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0100-003
Their Excellencies are looking at information books.

Their Excellencies visited to the Avataq Cultural Institute.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0100-012
Their Excellencies are looking at a large map.

Their Excellencies discussed the protection and promotion of Inuit culture and language with Avataq staff. They reviewed maps with Inuktitut place names and books in Inuktitut.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0100-019
Their Excellencies are getting a tour of a facility.

Their Excellencies visited the Qulliq Youth Rehabilitation Centre for Girls.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0101-013
Their Excellencies are getting a tour. There is a sewing machine in the foreground.

Qulliq Youth Rehabilitation Centre is a treatment centre for adolescent girls.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0101-018
A man is doing a demonstration with a knife and rope.

Their Excellencies visited the Unaaq Men’s Association, where they took part in rope making for dog teams.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0102-015
A close up of a man’s hands with a knife and a rope.

They also discussed the impact Unaaq’s programs for men have had on the community.

  • Credit: Sgt Mathieu St-Amour, Rideau Hall
  • Reference Number: GG09-2022-0102-026

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