Shawanaga First Nation Chief Wayne Pamajewon says Canada’s next governor general should be Indigenous. Metroland file photo
By John McFadden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Parry Sound North Star
February 05, 2021
The chief of the Shawanaga First Nation near Parry Sound said that right now is the ideal time for Canada to appoint its first-ever Indigenous governor general. Chief Wayne Pamajewon, who represents some 700 First Nation members, said that this is a tremendous opportunity for the federal government and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to show they are serious about reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous people.
Chief Pamajewon said that having an Indigenous representative of the Queen in Canada might strike some as a bit odd, but he disagrees. He said people have to remember the contribution of Indigenous soldiers in both World Wars and their efforts in helping to protect the monarchy.
“After all, we stood by her side in all wars affecting the country and the Queen and her country over there — and Europe,” Pamajewon said.
Canada has been without a governor general since former astronaut Julie Payette resigned from the post on Jan. 21 amid blistering accusations of workplace harassment against her. The chief said that there are any number of reasons that she should be replaced with an Indigenous person.
“Well we can’t do any worse that what we’ve had,” Chief Pamajewon quipped, adding, “It’s time we have someone way up at the top. I hope all the time for our people to get to top positions. I’m no different on this one.”
He added that an Indigenous governor general could possibly help speed up action on the 94 recommendations that came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) calls to action, issued in 2015. The chief said little has been done in more than five years to address the majority of those Indigenous issues.
Chief Pamajewon said that Indigenous people are looking closely at how governments are taking steps to seriously make changes to better the lives of Canada’s Indigenous people. He added that he thinks an Indigenous governor general could help the cause.
Chief Pamajewon said his first choice for an Indigenous person to hold the post would be highly respected, newly retired Sen. Murray Sinclair. Pamajewon said Sinclair has a wealth of experience in dealing with Indigenous issues, including as chair of the TRC. He added that position, coupled with his time as a senator, make him an ideal candidate for governor general.
Sinclair, however, is not interested in the position. His office responded to the question in an email.
“The Senator has been on the record saying that he does believe it is time Canada has an Indigenous GG, however he is quick to note that it will not be him,” stated Natasha Entwistle, Sinclair’s director of parliamentary affairs.
Rebeka Tabobondung is a proud Indigenous advocate from the Wasauksing First Nation which borders Parry Sound. She too thinks it is high time that Canada consider appointing an Indigenous governor general.
“Yes, I think our next governor general should be Indigenous. It shows the long relationship that Indigenous Peoples have with the Crown,” Tabobondung stated in an email. “An Indigenous person in that position will be a good bridge to connect important historical relationships in Canada as well as renew and bring light to shared Canadian issues and its ongoing project of reconciliation.”
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It is not entirely clear exactly when a new governor general will be named.
John McFadden is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering Indigenous issues for MuskokaRegion.com, ParrySound.com and Simcoe.com. His reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.