Recently we had a new Governor General (GG) appointed in Canada. A Governor General in Canada is a distant representative of the Queen of England. The position is largely ceremonial . The GG signs bills that have been passed in parliament into law. There are many other duties but they do not have power.
Mary Simon was appointed to be out next Governor General last week. She was born in George River Quebec , which is a small isolated Inuit community on the bottom of Ungava Bay.
I was pleased with this appointment as she is an Inuk. She has been very active in many areas in her 74 years. Among many other things she was our ambassador to Denmark.
Now it just so happens that her older brother Johnny May was a bush pilot. Johnny flew me in and out of Wakeham Bay several times while I was at Wakeham Bay from 1967-69.
Johnny was in his early 20's at that time. He was a very competent and capable pilot. People who flew with him had full confidence in his ability as a bush pilot. Johnny was extremely well liked by all people on the coast of Ungava Bay. The Inuit kids looked up to Johnny May. When they knew Johnny May was coming in the kids made sure they were on the beach to meet the plane.
Johnny May is referred to as legendary. There are many stories about his flying ability. Two documentaries have been made about Johnny , one of them being 1 hr and 23 minutes.
Johnny was asked what he thought about his sister becoming the GG. He said she would make a fine Governor General.
So my link to the new Governor General is by way of her bush pilot brother.
I admit that my link is rather long and tenuous.
That is an interesting and exciting coincidence. I remember you talking about some of the bush pilots. It also sounds like a wise decision to appoint Mary Simon as the new Governor General.
ReplyDeleteMary Simon certainly has a good track record.
DeleteSo close to fame. So close to power. It's significant that a woman with an Inuit heritage has been given the ceremonial role - especially when we consider the hundreds of Native American children who died whilst in the "care" (ha!) of church and state.
ReplyDeleteGovernor General issues aside, I'm not sure that we are close to solving many of the aboriginal issues.
DeleteIt is nice to have the sidestory.
ReplyDeleteIt's just nice to have a story!
DeleteIt is nice to see that a "local" has this Governor General position!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
I'm sure most people will see Mary Simon as a positive influence.
DeleteInteresting to know of her brother though!
ReplyDeleteIt took a while for me to realize the connection.
DeleteI think that is wonderful, an Inuk and a woman as well. I never heard of Johnny May. I'll see what I can learn about him online.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that very few have heard of Johnny May but there's lots about him on google.
DeleteLinks like that remind me of how small our world still is.
ReplyDeleteThe north may be a huge land but has few people so we got to know people.
DeleteGreat story and a great link to the Governor General!
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while to remember Johnny.
DeleteThat is a coincidence, isn't it!?
ReplyDeleteSounds like she and her brother have good reputations. Hope she does well as Governor General.
Yes, it was coincidence. Check him out on google .
DeleteA wonderful story. Didn't see the link.
ReplyDeleteI bet he was a fun guy! Hope his sister does a good job:)
ReplyDeleteJohnny was just a very level headed well liked guy.
DeleteAnd I will bet you that few people could even tell you her name!
ReplyDeleteMary Simon has been active in many areas in her 74 years. She organized and managed groups.
DeleteFascinating!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was cool!
DeleteIt is a huge and historic appointment. I hope it all works out well.
ReplyDeleteI think the appointment will help to solve some issues.
DeleteNot that many degrees of separation. Connections are fun.
ReplyDeleteIn the north there were few people so we got to know many.
DeleteGood for everyone involved, the Queen and the hard working Inuits.
ReplyDeleteSmall world, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI think you are pretty closely connected to your GG and you might as well play it up, you're entitled to be proud of it!
ReplyDeleteI can't see us having an indigenous GG any time soon
Three likes? That's pretty good!!!
ReplyDeleteTraditionally the aboriginals held their mother the Queen in high regard.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting story.
ReplyDeletewow this sounds amazing that you got link with new governor general dear Red
ReplyDeletei liked the like more ,Johnny seems like a wonderful personality as he created very beautiful memories with so many people ,what a fine quality !
i think new GG is source to refresh your memories :)
How wonderful that she was chosen to be the GG and that she now is a connection of yours. Your Johnny May sounds like an amazing fellow. It’s really fabulous that you flew with him.
ReplyDeleteThat's only two degrees of separation, which seems pretty close to me. (And three from the Queen, I suppose!)
ReplyDeleteIt's a small world! Great story.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how few degrees of separation or how close the links we have to many people.
ReplyDelete