Katimavik’s CEO recently provided an important update about the National Experience.
45 years of community service, experiential learning, and discovery
The Katimavik National Experience challenges young people in Canada with a transformative experience to empower them to become:
- Supporters of Truth and Reconciliation across Canada;
- Contributors to an eco-friendly and sustainable world;
- Advocates for inclusiveness and diversity; and
- Confident change-makers working towards a better Canada.
Join the Katimavik National Experience and start your challenge of serving communities to build a better Canada
Tell me more about the program
This fully-immersive 5.5 month program brings together 11 young adults who share and manage a Katimavik house while living in two different communities. The group will be accompanied by a Project Leader, who resides in the house to mentor the life-changing experience.
The Katimavik National Experience challenges youth to make a positive impact in each of the communities while also developing a vast set of skills and competencies. Throughout the 5.5 months, participants are very busy and can expect to participate fully in the following:
- Volunteering 30 hours a week at local non-profit organizations;
- Learning about Indigenous peoples in Canada and engaging in meaningful truth and reconciliation initiatives;
- Team building and collaboration;
- Designing and implementing community projects;
- Managing all aspects of the Katimavik house, including daily meal preparation;
- Plan cultural discovery, group outings and fun activities during evenings and weekends.
“Katimavik is an opportunity to travel and get to know people from all over Canada, better understand culture in a way you will never understand from textbooks or tourist sites.” – Athena Vu, Ontario.
Where Katimavik houses are located?
Katimavik Participants are currently making a difference in the following communities across Canada :
- Nanaimo, BC
- Calgary, AB
- Wetaskiwin, AB
- Brandon, MB
- Sudbury, ON
- Quebec City, QC
- Saguenay, QC
- Halifax, NS
Why National Experience is a transformative exercise?
The success of the program is based on working together and supporting each other as a team. Participants are together, they volunteer, live and learn together. Through exchange and discussions, participants learn from each other, explore problem solving, and provide a supportive environment where everyone is accepted and valued.
The Project Leader, Katimavik team and the community partners ensure that each participant is provided with the opportunities they need to have a positive and empowering experience. Support is provided throughout the experience by the Project Leader and all Katimavik staff.
Please see the image below as an example of your weekly schedule. Please note that this is just an example and that weekly schedules may vary depending on house location, availability of mentors, etc.
Is Katimavik the right fit for me?
Before you apply, consider asking the following to determine if the Katimavik National Experience is a good fit for you. Are you:
- 17 – 25 years old?
- A resident or citizen of Canada?
- Motivated to learn new skills?
- Ready to meet the challenges of group living be a team player?
- Prepared to volunteer and participate in group activities?
- Feel able to fully commit to an immersive full-time program and be willing to work on your self-autonomy?
The National Experience is open to all youth aged 17-25 years old. Participants must be a Canadian citizen or be able to demonstrate that they are legally residing in Canada.
Katimavik is committed to providing an inclusive, diverse, respectful environment and encourages applications from young adults of all backgrounds, genders, religions, and cultures.
The National Experience aims to prepare youth for future employment opportunities and/or post-secondary learning. Previous work experience or studies is not required.
Katimavik National Experience is challenging and dynamic; no one day was the same as the next. I was challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally in ways I could not have imagined before taking part in the program myself. I was able to see more of my home country than I ever had before through educational and breathtaking experiences. Katimavik also allowed me to connect with people from across the country and from all walks of life that I never would have otherwise met if not for this program.
Johannah Brockie, Katimavik alumna
Opportunities to learn and grow
Katimavik Participants will have the opportunity to learn about many topics and to gain various new skills. This is done through experiential learning, group discussions, fun activities, workshops, and more. The program’s educational aspect is fundamental and all participants are expected to play an active role in the learning process.
Some of the topics and skills that you will be challenged to learn about include:
- The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the importance of Truth and Reconciliation;
- The benefits and impact of civic engagement;
- Professional work skills in a variety of sectors, depending on volunteer placements;
- Cooking skills, house maintenance, and practical life skills;
- Conflict resolution, communication, and how to strive within a team environment;
- Environmental protection and sustainable development;
- English or French as an additional language;
- Leadership, advocacy, and project management skills;
- Canada’s cultural, geographic, and linguistic diversity.
How is the program funded and how much does it cost?
Katimavik is grateful for funding provided by the Government of Canada through its Canada Service Corps initiative.
All expenses related to participation in the program are covered, including transportation to and from the communities, group activities, housing, and meals.
Katimavik group working to build the replica of Fort Gibraltar trading posts, originally constructed at the forks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in 1809-10. Replica spot was rebuilt in the neighbourhood of Saint-Boniface in early 1990s with the help of Katimavik Participants.