Generations of Impact

Since 1977, more than 40,000 youth across Canada have participated in our programs. Katimavik has shaped Generations of Impact. Today, we are proud to highlight our milestones and explore how art can bridge divides and ignite change. We hope to encourage current and future generations to challenge intolerance, to discover each other, and to connect with their country through community service.

Barney Danson
(1921–2011)

Barney Danson was born and raised in Toronto. As a teenager, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and rose to the rank of Lieutenant, fighting in the Battle of Normandy in 1944, where he was injured. After returning home, Danson founded the successful Danson Corporation, a plastics company. Elected to the House of Commons in 1968 for the Toronto riding of York North, he was appointed Minister of State for Urban Affairs in 1974 and Minister of National Defence in 1976 by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

Dedicated to giving back, Danson served on numerous non-profit boards, including the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the Canadian War Museum, Ballet Opera House Corporation, and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

GENESIS & GROWTH

Katimavik was founded in 1977 to bridge what was then known as the two solitudes of Canada — French and English-speaking communities. With its flagship program, now called the National Experience, Katimavik introduced young people to their country
and encouraged them to explore their identities. Participants lived, worked, and served together, engaging in volunteer activities
across different regions of Canada. Over nine months, they immersed themselves in three distinct communities, ranging from rural
to urban settings. These experiences, from manual labour to helping elders, instilled a lifelong commitment to community service
and personal growth.

Little did I know, 46 years ago, that applying for a program called Katimavik, advertised in our local newspaper, would have such an impact on my life. At 18, unsure of my future, I left British Columbia (B.C) and travelled to Quebec with Katimavik. […] It was my introduction to what it means to be Canadian. Meeting youth from across the country taught me about our culture, history, diversity, and unity. We learned skills like construction, archaeological digging, painting, and teaching assistance. [...] These tasks taught us teamwork, cooperation, understanding, and acceptance.

Decades later, my Katimavik family still reunites every few years to celebrate. I feel truly blessed by that experience. Ten years after the program, I married my best friend, a fellow participant, a Franco-Ontarian who moved to Montreal. We married in B.C. and drove across Canada to settle in Laval, Quebec. We raised three bilingual children who share our love for Canada. We introduced them early to OUR Canada, from coast to coast, teaching them that all of Canada is theirs — not just one province. Without Katimavik, I wouldn’t have had the courage, desire, or opportunity to create the life I’m living.

What impact did Katimavik have on my life?
Everything.

Cathy Storey — participant in 1978

EXPANSION & MILITARY OPTION

In the 1980s, Katimavik’s focus remained on hands-on volunteer work, often centred around manual labour and construction projects in rural communities. Participants contributed to building infrastructure, supporting the agricultural sector, and engaging in activities benefiting the local economy. As the program expanded, the iconic Katimavik vans became symbols of community spirit, transporting participants to various activities and representing the freedom and mobility that defined the National Experience. During this decade, Katimavik also introduced a military option, where participants could spend three months on Army or Navy bases, learning valuable skills such as first aid, map reading, and leadership, as well as basic military skills, like drills and rifle handling. This option gave young Canadians the chance to challenge themselves and grow through hardships and adventure in a safe and controlled environment.
All this promoted personal / communal growth, responsibility, and resilience, contributing to a well-rounded development program.


Katimavik was a game-changer for me, setting me on a lifelong path of service. Since my experience in 1984, I’ve been dedicated to giving back — working with refugees in Vancouver and volunteering with various organizations. In 2007, my husband Greg and I founded Project Somos, an initiative in Guatemala supporting local Indigenous Mayan children. Through this project, we’ve built 14 eco-sustainable buildings, developed an organic farm, and created educational programs. Today, Project Somos employs 14 local Guatemalans and has welcomed nearly 600 volunteers from around the world.

Heather Alicia Knox — participant in 1984

REVIVAL & INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

In 1994, Katimavik experienced a resurgence with budget reinstatement, drawing sixty-six participants from Ontario, Quebec, and
New Brunswick to projects in six communities. This marked a period of significant growth, with over 1,000 participants annually across
90 communities. In 1999, Katimavik gained international recognition by participating in the IANYS conference in El Paso, showcasing its commitment to youth development on a global stage. The organization launched its first Meet Your MP events, encouraging young Canadians to engage directly with their political leaders, further strengthening the ties between youth and civic responsibility.


Participating in Katimavik in 1997 had a profound impact on my life. It gave me the space to slow down, explore, grow, and reflect. Travelling to three parts of Canada opened my eyes to the incredible diversity of this country. I met people from all walks of life, each with their own unique perspectives and experiences. This journey not only deepened my appreciation for Canada’s vastness and cultural richness, but it also helped me discover more about myself. It was an unforgettable experience that truly shaped who I am today.

Karine Fontaine — participant in 1997-1998

EVOLVING EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORKS

The 2000s marked a significant shift in Katimavik’s approach to learning, aligning its programs with the evolving needs of participants. In 2008, Katimavik transitioned to a competency-based learning model, focusing on civic engagement, employability, self-determination, and Truth and Reconciliation*. This modern approach replaced the earlier community-based learning pillars of Culture, Leadership, Health, and Language, providing a more structured and impactful educational experience. The new framework aimed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge that would benefit them personally and professionally, ensuring that Katimavik continued to meet the challenges of a changing world. During this time, Katimavik introduced the Eco-Stage program, emphasizing environmental sustainability, which became vital for the organization’s survival.


I participated in Katimavik in 2006-2007, which changed my life. Through full-time volunteering, collaboration, and living with other participants, Katimavik exposed me to new experiences and helped me discover my love for Canada. The program gave me countless opportunities to learn —about myself, and others, and how to navigate life. I learned English, built strong interpersonal skills, and understood the value of community involvement. Most of all, Katimavik showed me that the greatest lessons come from being part of a community and connecting with others. Today, I volunteer, I’m bilingual, I’m a changemaker, and I embrace every new opportunity with confidence.

Michel Poirier — participant in 2006-2007

*ABOUT TRUTH & RECONCILIATION
Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is about recognizing and addressing the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples due to colonization, especially the harmful legacy of residential schools. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Final Report in 2016 set out 94 Calls to Action forming the basis for action by Canadians and all sectors of Canadian society. Reconciliation requires all Canadians to understand how past actions create the present and how our present actions contribute to dignity, equity, fairness and justice. Reconciliation starts with a dialogue that leads to action.

COMMITMENT TO TRUTH & RECONCILIATION

In the 2010s, Katimavik deepened its commitment to supporting Truth and Reconciliation and advocating for new horizons of diversity. In 2019, Katimavik adopted a 50-year pledge to manifest a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in all its programming. This commitment is most evident in the National Experience, a 22-week program, where every Friday is dedicated to learning about Indigenous history and cultures. Educational activities are guided by Katimavik’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Engagement and Learning. Katimavik continues to build on this foundation by actively recruiting youth from Indigenous backgrounds to join our programs, aiming to create inclusive spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. These initiatives reflect Katimavik’s dedication to fostering understanding, respect, and lasting societal change.


One of the most memorable parts of my experience was the time spent with the Anishinaabe and Mi’kmaq peoples, who so generously welcomed us onto their land. [...] As a non-Indigenous person, I had the opportunity to reflect on my role and responsibilities in Canada’s reconciliation process. A few years later, when I worked for an international development organization supporting Indigenous communities abroad, I felt a strong need to address these same issues here in Canada.

Stephany Dupont — participant in 2018

FUTUREPERFECT & BRAND REFRESH

In 2020, Katimavik launched the FuturePerfect Program, a new initiative designed to provide young adults aged 18 to 30 with their first work experience in different Canadian cities. This program aims to help young adults gain valuable skills, explore new environments, and contribute positively to their communities. While introducing this new program, Katimavik continued to strengthen its flagship National Experience, focusing on community engagement, personal development, and fostering altruistic values. In 2024, Katimavik embarked on a brand refresh to reflect its evolving vision, especially in the digital age. A new logo was unveiled, blending the iconic colours and shapes of Katimavik’s legacy with a modern, youthful design. This rebranding symbolizes the brand’s commitment to staying relevant and inspiring a new generation of changemakers while honouring its rich history of community building and youth empowerment.


I chose to take part in the National Experience during a challenging period in my academic journey when I felt uncertain about which path to pursue. This program provided me with the time, tools, and opportunities for self-discovery that I needed. I forged lasting friendships with people from across the country and made meaningful contributions to various communities.

During my first rotation in Campbell River, BC, I had the privilege of volunteering at two incredible organizations : the Campbell river Art Gallery and The Campbell river Museum. In my second rotation in Halifax, NS, I had the rewarding experience of cooking daily at the Out of the Cold Community Association.

This experience taught me how to turn my thoughts into action. The leadership component of the program helped me recognize my potential and build confidence. After returning from the program, I continued to develop professionally by participating in FuturePerfect in Quebec City, where I served as a Logistics Coordinator for a non-profit organization. Back in Montreal, I’ve been able to apply the tools and insights continuing to build and strengthen my community all while pursuing my personal goals.

Juliet Gill — participant in 2024