Testimonials


I was just telling a friend the other day, "I would not be the person I am today if I hadn't done Katimavik." And I mean that. I know it's something my PL's told me all along, and something you can't fully appreciate while you are living in the program, but it's true. Katimavik was the start of my travel adventures. It was the beginning of me exploring who I am apart from influences I had been surrounded with my whole life. It introduced me to different cultures, not only of the communities where I lived, but all the people I met. I discovered that my mind was open, but that it could be opened even more! It was me discovering and proving to myself and to others that I am actually capable of doing all the crazy things I dreamed of doing! It's been a year and a half since I finished the program. Sometimes it seems like it was forever ago, and sometimes it feels like just yesterday. I still talk about it all the time. I know I will never forget the places I went, the things I learned, or the people I met through this program. And, even though I've graduated from the program, it is still inspiring me to learn new and interesting things, to look for unique opportunities instead of just doing what everyone else is doing, to get up and go somewhere if I want adventure! I don't know exactly where I am headed, but I know that I will never again be satisfied with ordinariness. Katimavik is something that was meant to be in my life. Like I said, I simply would not be me without it. Read more
Cami Gurnick Nelson, BC and Amqui, QC
What is Katimavik? Katimavik is an adventure, it is a journey across Canada. It is discovering; discovering the country, a second language, possible jobs and most importantly more about yourself. It is making lifelong friendships. It is living with friends who become more like family. It is having dance parties in the living room. It is eating delicious food. It is a challenge, but it is always worth it. It is having fun. It is learning. It is sharing, borrowing, giving and taking. It is doing and learning so many things that you could never imagine. It is trying new things. It is helping others. It is learning about life, Canada and the world. It is being yourself. It is not something to pass up. It is teamwork. It is practicing life skills. It is eating together. It is wonderful. It is something you wont want to leave. It is a once in a lifetime experience, an eye opener and a life coach. It is unimaginable, explainable and can never be completely understood by others. It is an unforgettable experience that you will leave with a lifetime of amazing memories. It is truly the most amazing experience that I have had so far in my life, and a program that I support 100%. It's just fantastic! Read more
Amber Allen-Boulet Amqui, QC and Nelson, BC
Katimavik changed my life because… There are so many reasons Katimavik changed my life, it's hard to choose just one! The main reason, however, is that it really confirmed to me my "career destiny". While I always thought I'd want to be a teacher, I had the fantastic opportunity to volunteer in a K-8 elementary school in the small town of Estevan, SK. The school staff, students, and my PL were so incredibly supportive, that I just knew I wanted to be working in a school for the rest of my life. And as it happens, it's now 6 years later and I've completed my Bachelor of Education and am looking for teaching jobs! Merci beaucoup, Katimavik! Read more
Andrea Kivik Stephenville, NL; Estevan, SK; Dubreuilville, ON
After high school I joined Katimavik, it ended up being the best decision I have made in my short 20 years of life! I met people that changed my views, made my life better and who helped me through every challenge that came my way. My Katimavik group are my family and they along with my work partners made my experience! Katimavik taught me life skills and helped me to realize the person that I want to be. While finding this all out I really got to make an impact on my beautiful country. Thank you Katimavik for changing my life! Read more
Jennifer MacPherson Bouctouche, NB Penticton, BC and Hamilton, ON
Katimavik changed my life because… during the program there were many ups and downs. I laughed harder than I ever have in my life, and some days I really just wanted to be in my own bed at home. When it was over I missed the experiences and the people so badly, and I think about it still, 3 years later at least weekly. Katimavik changed me for the better and I learned more about myself and our world than I ever would anywhere else. Read more
Serena Schwager Mont-Joli QC, Penticton BC, Terrace Bay ON.
Katimavik changed my life because of the personal relations made with my fellow group participants and through a greater understanding of the regions where we lived and communities we supported. Read more
Ron Thibodeau Caraquet N.B.; Seebe Ab ; 100 Mile House B.C.
Katimavik changed my life because…Had I not gone through Katimavik, my leadership skills that I have applied to literally every aspect of my life would never be equal to what they were post Katimavik. On August 26,27,28, 2011 our group had a reunion in Ottawa and after only an hour or so of conversation I realized that everyone there had done amazing things with their lives since Katimavik. I was not at all surprised for I too had accomplished so many things that I could accredit directly to my time in Katimavik. One example for myself was how my community involvement had grown 100 fold when I got home. I went to town council and told them our local yearly homecoming wasn't featuring local talent. They offered me the job of organizing talent for the coming year. I stayed on that committee for 5 yrs and featured over 50 local acts to thousands of people during that time. Katimavik taught me to take the initiative and challenge to get involved with confidence in anything I wanted in my life. I have and will continue to do just that. I can only say in closing, thank-you Jaques Hubert and Katimavik for giving me the best head start any kid could possibly get. Dennis. R. Carmichael, Lindsay, Ont. Read more
Dennis Carmichael Chandler, P.Q.-Fort Simpson, N.W.T.-Smiths Falls, Ont.
Katimavik changed my life because… prior to Katimavik I was born and raised in a small town in Nova Scotia after Katimavik I returned to my small town with a whole new vision of Canada, its people and the world. I joined the Canadian Forces in 1983 realizing I wanted to stand for this country and its beliefs. I have continually volunteered as a member of the Canadian Forces and lived in numerous communitys in and outside of Canada. Katimavik made me want to make a difference in the world and I can never thank the program enough. Last weekend we had our 30th reunion in Ottawa and the friendship that spans the 30 years with each and every member is amazing. You cannot know the influence and again I thank you. Keep up the great work. Read more
Sue Hersey Chandler QC, Fort Simpson NWT, Smiths Falls ON
Katimavik changed my life because… I returned to Dzo NWT as a teacher, met my wife and was married there Oct 8th 1983. Father Pochat and the whole town were very supportive! Read more
Patrick Rothwell Haute Rive, EDZO NWT
See video
Katimavik takes your life from ordinary to extraordinary! This is our final project video during our last rotation in Trail, BC Read more
Eninna Luli Mont-Joli, QC & Trail, BC