July 7 to 9, 2025
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, undertook a visit to Iqaluit, Nunavut, from July 7 to 9, 2025, for the fourth and final stop of her Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour. The tour, which was officially launched in Newfoundland and Labrador in July 2024, highlights best practices in mental health and wellness in communities across northern Canada.
While in Iqaluit, the Governor General also participated in Nunavut Day celebrations, visited local organizations highlighting Inuit culture and the importance of traditional knowledge through educational and land-based programs, and learned about the impacts of climate change in the Arctic and the critical work of organizations like the Canadian Coast Guard in environmental response.
July 7, 2025
The Governor General met with students who attended the Nunavut Fisheries & Marine Training Consortium (NFMTC) to pursue careers in the fishing industry. Through hands-on learning, the NFMTC is helping develop a skilled local workforce, teaching valuable life skills, and creating more job opportunities across the North.
As part of her Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour, the Governor General visited the Tukisigiarvik Centre where she met with individuals participating in mental health and wellness programs that incorporate Inuit traditions and cultural practices.
During her visit, the Governor General had the opportunity to hear from individuals about how these programs have helped them gain strength through culture.
As Iqaluit’s oldest mental health support centre, Tukisigiarvik has become a trusted presence in the community, supporting Inuit through both modern challenges and cultural needs.
July 8, 2025
The Governor General visited the Piruqatigiit Resource Centre, a winner of the 2024-25 Arctic Inspiration Prize. During the visit, the Governor General learned about Ajunngittutit, a culturally guided, alternative learning program grounded in Inuit traditional knowledge that honours and preserves Inuit culture while preparing participants for future success.
The program offers a safe, inclusive space to learn and build life skills.It also plays a vital role in fostering inclusion and resilience within the local community.
The Governor General visited the Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre, which integrates Inuit knowledge with western science in its approach to health research. The Governor General learned about the various workshops and training opportunities the centre provides to Nunavummiut.
Through stories, teachings and hands-on learning, she experienced Inunnguiniq—the Inuit practice of creating capable and caring human beings.
As part of the Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour, the Governor General hosted a round-table discussion that brought together people with lived experience, mental health experts and change makers who shared their experiences and built awareness around innovative practices in the field.
July 9, 2025
Across the vast territory, Nunavummiut came together to celebrate a land shaped by resilience, guided by tradition, and strengthened by community. The Governor General delivered remarks and participated in Nunavut Day celebrations.
There are many things I love about the North. One of them is our strong sense of community.
Another is the beauty and depth of our culture. When the world gets a glimpse of us, they fall in love.
