Mary Simon
Mary J. May Simon, OC OQ (Inuktitut: Ningiukadluk, born 1947 in Kangirsualuujuaq, Nunavik, Northern Québec) is a former Canadian diplomat and current fellow with the Arctic Institute of North America. Early in her career, she was a producer and announcer for CBC North, and later entered public service as secretary of the board for the Northern Quebec Inuit Association. Simon was Canada's first Ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs, and was a lead negotiator for the creation of the Arctic Council. She also later served as ambassador to Denmark.
Personal life
Simon was born to Bob Mardon May and Nancy May (née Angnatuk-Askew). She attended Kuujjuaq Federal Day School in Kuujjuaq (formerly Fort Chimo), Fort Carson High School in Colorado, and completed her high school via correspondence in Kuujjuaq. She is the second oldest of eight children (four brothers and three sisters), and has three children of her own (two sons and one daughter).
Career
Originally a producer and announcer for CBC North, she began her career as a public servant by being elected Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Northern Quebec Inuit Association. In 1978, she was elected as Vice-President of the Makivik Corporation, later on becoming President, a position she held until 1985. During this period she also became involved with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Canada's National Inuit Organization.