‘Historic’ step as Trudeau appoints Canada’s first Indigenous governor general

Mary Simon takes post at time of strained relations between Canada and First Nations after discoveries of unmarked graves

Canada will have its first ever Indigenous governor general after prime minister Justin Trudeau appointed Inuk leader Mary Simon as the Queen's representative in Canada.

Describing the move as a historic" step, Trudeau announced Simon's appointment on Tuesday after coming under mounting pressure to choose a new viceregal. His previous selection resigned after allegations of bullying in January.