She showed an outgoing personality during her day in Rankin, constantly flashing a broad, warm smile.

Mary Irkootee, right, enjoys a hug with Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean during Jean's visit to Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Yet, even with those traits on display for all to see, anyone watching the interaction between Jean and Mary Irkootee at the Rankin airport would have thought the two were long-lost friends.

They talked, laughed, joked around and hugged affectionately.

But, according to Irkootee, it was the first time the two had ever met.

Irkootee said she doesn't know why she and Jean hit it off so well, but she definitely felt a connection with the Governor General.

She said Jean is one of the warmest individuals she's ever met.

"My biggest impression of the Governor General is a lady totally at peace with herself," said Irkootee.

"I don't know if it was her smile or her warmth, but we just seemed to know each other from somewhere right from the start.

"It's hard to explain, but she moved my heart and it was like I'd known her for a long time.

"It was really weird."

Irkootee said she was impressed with Jean ignoring the cold during her arrival in Rankin and taking the time to speak with so many people.

"She was very patient and you could tell she is very down to earth.

"She never acted like she was something special, a big shot, or anything like that.

"She was just like anyone else and you could tell that was real about her.

"We weren't creepy or strange Inuit to her, and she looked at us like a caring relative."

Irkootee said she was almost amazed by how much her 15-year-old son, Keith Sigurdson, talked about Jean after school.

She said her son was really impressed by Jean.

"My son doesn't usually yap about school, but, this time, he seemed really interested for such a young kid.

"He thought she was so nice, and told me everything she said that he could make out over all the noise.

"I was surprised by how much interest he took in talking to me about it."