Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG-BSGG, 2021
The Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums is honoured to announce that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, has granted Viceregal Patronage to the national charity that supports museum and heritage site volunteers across Canada.
The granting of Viceregal Patronage is a long-standing tradition, with governor generals granting support through patronage to recognize exceptional contributions to Canadian society. Her Excellency was sworn in on July 26, 2021, as Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General and has focused her efforts on reconciliation.
Since its foundation in 1977, the Canadian Federation of Friends of Museums has been the national voice for thousands of volunteers in the cultural heritage sector who selflessly commit their time, energy and expertise to making our cultural institutions rewarding spaces of humanity.
The CFFM aims to educate the Canadian public about the value of museums and preserving our heritage; promote and enhance the diversity of volunteers in our museum community; provide a forum for the exchange of ideas among Canadian and International volunteers; and to encourage young people to take an active role in museums, especially as volunteers.
“We believe that a diverse community of volunteers plays a key role in shaping our museum experiences and of understanding our collective Canadian history including de-colonization and its path towards Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation," notes CFFM executive director Rosemary Wagner.
As an example of this commitment, the CFFM has sponsored and continues to sponsor young peoples’ participation in Indigenous Allyship Workshops to further awareness on First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture and heritage. In addition, the CFFM hosts public lectures with Indigenous speakers, and features Indigenous artifacts and volunteers as part of our knowledge hub. These diversity of stories further enhances our collective knowledge of Canada and strengthens all Canadians.