Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says Zelenskyy's use of Inuktitut 'brought tears to my eyes'

When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used the Inuktitut word "ajuinnata" to end his historic address in Canada's House of Commons earlier this year, the chamber erupted in applause.

It was an emotional moment for the woman who taught him the phrase — Governor General Mary Simon.

"As an Inuk, it brought tears to my eyes because it was so important that the world could hear an Inuktitut word that was so significant in terms of the survival of our people, and continues to be a very important word in our culture," Simon said in an interview with CBC's Power & Politics.

In his address, Zelenskyy said Simon told him the word "ajuinnata" translates to "don't give up, stay strong against all odds."

"Ajuinnata Canada. Ajuinnata Ukraine," he said to a standing ovation.

more

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mary-simon-gg-zelenskyy-1.7063058