Crystal Martin expressed her emotional reaction to witnessing Mary Simon being sworn in as Governor General in 2021. Martin, an advocate of Inuk heritage, emphasized the significance of seeing someone like Simon in that pivotal role, highlighting the positive impact on Indigenous youth and children nationwide.
Martin criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney’s statement that the next Governor General must be bilingual in English and French. She pointed out that Simon, who is bilingual in Inuktitut and English but not fluent in French, represents bilingualism in her own right. Martin emphasized the importance of recognizing Indigenous languages and the diverse bilingualism within Indigenous communities.
Despite facing backlash for her French language proficiency, Simon made efforts to learn the language. Critics questioned the delay in her French learning journey, sparking over 1,300 complaints to the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages in 2021. An investigation ensued, revealing that the Governor General is not bound by the Official Languages Act.
Following ongoing complaints about Simon’s French proficiency, the Prime Minister’s Office remained silent on her Inuktitut bilingualism. Louise Arbour is set to succeed Simon as Governor General in June, a decision supported by Simon’s husband, Whit Fraser, who highlighted her commitment to serving Canadians despite language limitations.
Inuk leader Jack Anawak echoed Martin’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Inuktitut and other Indigenous languages as equal to English and French in Canada. He criticized the colonial mindset that prioritizes English and French, calling for respect and acknowledgment of Indigenous linguistic heritage.
Amid the government’s reconciliation efforts, Martin criticized Carney’s stance for disregarding Indigenous languages. She urged government officials to prioritize learning Indigenous languages, paralleling the expectations for French proficiency in Canada. Despite Simon’s inspirational tenure, Martin voiced concerns that Indigenous individuals may feel unwelcome in national leadership roles if language barriers persist.