Active Reconciliation
In 2019, Katimavik formally adopted a 50-year pledge to demonstrate a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation through its programming.
Truth and Reconciliation
Today, Canada is increasingly recognizing the presence and contributions of Indigenous people, who have lived, occupied and protected this land.
There is a growing appreciation that without some form of renewed relationship, Canada will be significantly hampered in achieving many of its economic, social and environmental goals. It is equally important that the social and economic conditions of Indigenous peoples improve significantly and quickly.
With its proven track record and its commitment to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, Katimavik proposes to make Canadian youth the leaders in active reconciliation for future generations. Katimavik formally adopted a 50-year pledge to demonstrate a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation through its programming.
What Is Reconciliation?
Katimavik has defined reconciliation as “an informed, active, ongoing relationship restoration process that requires continuous engagement and effort over generations. It starts with the education of the individual to inspire action and change, and continues to local community effort and larger national undertakings.”
How Katimavik Integrates Reconciliation Into
Its Programs
The key first step for reconciliation is understanding the truth of our nation’s history. Katimavik is developing foundational learning curriculum that will become a core part of the National Experience program and available to all of the programs going forward. This curriculum will produce informed, thoughtful, skilled youth who can facilitate and lead reconciliation activities within their own communities.
Theses experiences will be based on the following principles:
- Informed Action
- Local Reconciliation Projects
- Leadership and Partnership
- Relationship Building
- Social Action and Change
- Safe and Supportive Learning Experience
- Direct contact with Indigenous Peoples in the communities sponsoring a Katimavik house
- Experiential learning and discovery
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued 94 Calls to Action. Katimavik youth will respond, and continue to lead these Calls to Action when they return to their communities.
Reconciliation being a significant pillar of the National Experience program, participants will learn through a combination of projects, workshops and online modules where they will discover local Indigenous community histories, cultures, traditions, languages and social and political goals. The majority of the curriculum will be experienced through discovery and engagement with local Indigenous communities.
Katimavik: A meeting place
Speaking of meeting places, discover the inspiring conversations that emerged from the encounter between Willow Allen, Indigenous model and public figure, and David Newhouse, Professor of Indigenous Studies at Trent University.
Together, they discuss Katimavik’s role in reconciliation, exploring how the organization can help Canadians live together more harmoniously. Willow and David share valuable teachings from Indigenous cultures, highlighting the importance of including Indigenous youth in Katimavik’s program to build a more united and culturally respectful Canada.