Katimavik's Mission

Katimavik’s Mission

Katimavik’s mission is to develop diverse youth as engaged, caring citizens and capable contributors and leaders for a better Canada.

Katimavik collaborates with other organizations to foster understanding, respect and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and with Canada’s other diverse cultures, regions and the environment.

Katimavik

Our name comes from an Inuktitut word that represents the concept of ``a meeting place``. It captures the essence of Katimavik's mission.

Our Vision

A Canada where youth are united, empowered, and equipped to drive transformative change, fostering a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Our Commitment

Katimavik complies with the Employment Equity Act and the
Canadian Human Rights Act.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every team member is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We believe that our strength lies in the rich tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that each employee brings to our organization.

Katimavik does not discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, and/or disability.

Katimavik is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment.

We believe that by embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, we not only enhance our organizational culture but also enrich the impact we make in the communities we serve.

Together, we are stronger and better equipped to inspire the next
generation of leaders.

Co-founders

Katimavik is pleased and honoured to acknowledge its Co-founders, the late Honourable Senator Jacques Hébert and late Honourable Barney Danson. Both Sen. Hébert and Mr. Danson worked tirelessly to create an organization that would allow Canadian youth the opportunity to engage in meaningful community service and discover the richness of the country. In 1977 their idea became a reality and Katimavik was born.

“Katimavik was founded by two incredibly accomplished, dedicated and passionate human beings who saw the vast potential in Canada’s young people.” said Katimavik Chief Executive Officer John-Frederick Cameron.

“Empowered by a deep love for our great country, Mr. Danson and Sen. Hébert built Katimavik with the values of public service, selflessness, and dedication. Canada’s young people and communities around the country continue to benefit from their leadership and example. We are humbled by the magnitude and genius of Katimavik’s mission and vision and celebrate it every day.”

Barney Danson

Barney Danson (1921 – 2011) was born and raised in Toronto. As a teenager he joined the Canadian Armed Forces, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant. In 1944 he fought and was injured during World War II in the Battle of Normandy. After returning home, Mr. Danson formed the Danson Corporation, a plastics company that would soon become immensely successful. In 1968 he was elected to the House of Commons for the first time, representing the Toronto riding of York North.

In 1974 he was appointed as Minister of State for Urban Affairs by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Two years later, he became the Minister of National Defence.

Throughout his life, Mr. Danson’s mission was to give back to the community, serving on numerous non-profit boards and councils, including the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Canadian War Museum, Ballet Opera House Corporation, and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

Jacques Hébert

Jacques Hébert (1923 – 2007) was born in Montréal and studied at Saint Dunstan’s University in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Prior to his political career, he was a journalist and owned two publishing companies.

Throughout his public life, Mr. Hébert mission was to give youth the skills, knowledge, and experience to play an active role in society.

A year after Katimavik was created, Mr. Hébert was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. In 1983 he was appointed as a Canadian Senator, a position he held for 15 years.

After co-founding the organization, Mr. Hébert remained involved in Katimavik throughout the rest of his life, serving as its Chair for a number of years. In 1986, he went on a 21-day hunger strike to protest the first attempt to dismantle the program by the newly-elected Government of the day. Funding was restored and Katimavik survived. During the hunger strike, Mr. Hébert lost 27 pounds.

Beyond his advocacy for youth engagement, Mr. Hébert was known as a charismatic storyteller with a great sense of humour and a natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life.