Simon spoke in English, her native language Inuktitut, and French. Born in Arctic Quebec, now known as Nunavik, Simon said the meaning of her Inuit name in English is Bossy Little Old Lady, which drew laughs from the selected crowd who witnessed the occasion. She said that since her appointment Canadians reached out to her and vowed their support. “Since the announcement of my appointment, I have been deeply touched by the responses of Canadians who have reached out to me. I have heard from Canadians who described a renewed sense of possibility for our country and hope that I can bring people together.”