Interview with Matti Goodwin-Sutton who participated in the Katimavik National Experience from January to July 2020

How did you find the Katimavik National Experience overall? 

It is an amazing opportunity that ultimately led me to learn independence. 

Katimavik helped teach me important information about the environment, truth and reconciliation, group living skills, and job skills. 

All the knowledge and skills I learned in Katimavik helped me to get my most recent job (which I got soon after I got home from Katimavik!)

Through Katimavik I met amazing people, colleagues and got to explore places I wouldn’t have otherwise. I am also very happy that in the pandemic I was able to volunteer and support the community through volunteering with my cohort at the Salvation Army.

I am proud to say that I am a Katimavik Alumni and have had this learning experience, while making amazing friends along the way. 

Where were your rotations and where did you volunteer? 

Moncton, New Brunswick, and Quebec City.

In Moncton, I volunteered at the YWCA daycare and with their after-school program. I was responsible for various tasks including food preparation, assisting with activities, food delivery after-school drop-offs, and caring for children of a variety of ages.  

In Quebec City during the early stages of the pandemic in May, I volunteered with the Salvation Army. I was responsible for stocking shelves, organizing the storage room, unloading orders, and preparing food boxes for distribution to vulnerable community members during COVID-19.   

Were there any particularly memorable moments or stories? 

There are many particularly memorable moments before the pandemic hit, while we were in Moncton. These include ice skating outside of my cohort, snowshoeing at Centennial Park, going to Magnetic Hill, and taking a road trip to Fredericton. 

Memorable moments I had in Quebec City, during the pandemic, include visiting old Quebec, and making new foods! I was also lucky to take a road trip with my Moncton project leader and cohort to our Quebec house. It was very enjoyable to visit new places along the way. 

What were some of the things you learned? 

In Katimavik I developed numerous skills and increased my knowledge. Specifically, I learned more about being eco-friendly. I am very passionate about the environment and living a sustainable lifestyle which is one of the reasons I signed up for Katimavik in the first place.  Katimavik allowed me to learn how to shop “zero waste” through our zero-waste week.  I also learned to cook vegetarian/vegan meals, and I watched educational documentaries on climate change. 

Make the most of each day in Katimavik!

Katimavik also allowed me to learn group living skills which included cooking, cleaning, shopping for a group, and living in a group setting. I also became way more knowledge about truth and reconciliation through the numerous documentaries, movies, and readings we discussed.  

Do you have any advice for future Participants? 

Make the most of each day in Katimavik. 

Make the most of your time in each province you visit, learn new skills that interest you, and have fun! 

One year after Katimavik (almost) what has changed in you?

One year after Katimavik, many things have changed for me regarding my educational path, values and goals. Through taking time away from my studies, Katimavik helped me realize my ideal post-secondary pathway. Katimavik has also helped me set goals for my future, including goals regarding travelling, learning opportunities and volunteering. The volunteer placements I had through Katimavik strengthened my belief in the importance of volunteering, especially in the pandemic, to help vulnerable community members. I am so thankful to have been a part of Katimavik and to have made a difference in my Katimavik communities. I want to continue making a difference in this world and Katimavik has strenghtened my belief that I can do this.