Governor General Mary Simon’s Visit to Ilitaqsiniq

On Wednesday, April 3, Ilitaqsiniq was very honoured to host the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, as she made an official visit to Nunavut.

The Governor General met with our Iqaluit staff, and our Elder-instructors who were able to tell her more about our work, our programs and our Inu-vative approach. When we shared our mission to build up self-confidence and empowerment for all Inuit, the Governor General shared with us her own experiences and her hope for future generations.

“It was especially meaningful for everyone at Ilitaqsiniq that that first Governor General we get to meet and sit down with is Inuk,” says Adriana Kusugak, Ilitaqsiniq’s Executive Director. “We are extremely proud of her! She is a true inspiration and embodies the spirit of Inuit Empowerment that we strive to model.”

The Governor General also shared that when Ilitaqsiniq won the Arctic Inspiration Prize last year, she jumped for joy. That level of endorsement and belief is empowering. It validates and motivates Ilitaqsiniq to know that we are on the right track—when someone of her stature and prestige believes in what we are doing.

From everyone at Ilitaqsiniq, we want to say, “Thank you, your Excellency for being who you are and for your encouragement!”