WHEREAS on July 10, 2024, City Council approved the Commemorative Naming Policy; and
WHEREAS in keeping with its powers set out in the Municipal Act, 2001, Council may assign a commemorative name by resolution, notwithstanding the provisions included in the Commemorative Naming Policy; and
WHEREAS Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon has made significant contributions to Canada as the first Indigenous Governor General; and
WHEREAS Mary Simon was born in Kangiqsualujjuaq, Nunavik (Quebec), to Nancy May (Angnatuk-Askew), her Inuk mother, and Bob Mardon May, her English father; and
WHEREAS Mary Simon has been a tireless advocate for Indigenous rights, education and reconciliation which has strengthened relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Canada; and
WHEREAS Mary Simon’s contributions have left a lasting impact on Canada, including her role in negotiating the first land claims agreement in Canada known as the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, as well as the negotiations that led the 1982 patriation of the Canadian Constitution, which formally entrenched Aboriginal and treaty rights in the supreme law of Canada; and
WHEREAS Mary Simon negotiated the creation of the Arctic Council, founded the Arctic Children and Youth Foundation, and delivered a response to the House of Commons on behalf of Inuit to the formal apology on residential schools; and
WHEREAS Mary Simon has dedicated her career in service to Indigenous Peoples and Canada, holding important roles such as commissioner of the Nunavut Implementation Commission, policy co-director of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, ambassador of Canada to Denmark, Chairperson of the National Committee on Inuit Educations and president of Inuit Tapiritt Kanatami (ITK); and
WHEREAS Mary Simon’s leadership and dedication have inspired countless Canadians and fostered a greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the park known as “Whitewood Park”, located at 5490 Whitewood Ave, be renamed “Mary Simon Park” to recognize her outstanding contributions to Canada and celebrate her legacy as an advocate for Indigenous Peoples; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an appropriate stand and plaque be installed displaying the name and including a brief history of Mary Simon’s contributions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all costs related to the production and installation of the stand, plaque and subsequent event be funded through the Mayor’s office.