Open letter on the appointment of the Governor General Designate of Canada

Dear Ms. Simon,

It is with great enthusiasm and on behalf of Katimavik that we take this opportunity to extend our sincere congratulations on your appointment as Governor General Designate of Canada. 

We are looking forward to your installation with great hope and optimism. We know that your unique experiences, dedication, and vision will be of great benefit to Canada and to its Indigenous communities. We believe that your appointment will advance the cause of Truth and Reconciliation in particular, but it will also demonstrate a true commitment to embracing and empowering diversity.  

As you may know, Katimavik is a Canadian national youth empowerment and youth development charitable organization. 

Since 1977, Katimavik has engaged with youth from a wide diversity of communities across Canada, including Indigenous youth, newcomer youth, Black youth, white youth, youth of color, 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and youth of different faiths and religions. We bring these young people together in common purpose, through active volunteerism and, in so doing, to support communities.

We work to build bridges of understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in an effort to advance reconciliation with Indigenous people in an intentional fashion.   Our programs bring youth together from diverse backgrounds, and nurture tolerance and mutual respect between diverse youth as we help create a more harmonious and unified Canada. 

This is the journey we continue today and the unyielding commitment to the country that we make as an organization.   For all of us at Katimavik, it is an extraordinary honour to do this work, and contribute to our common purpose towards a better future, built on the values of honesty, tolerance, and acceptance with an open heart. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the role of Governor General of Canada! 

With warm regards,

John-Frederick Cameron, CEO, Katimavik

David Newhouse, Co-Chair, Indigenous Advisory Council