Message from your Alumni Office

Transcription

MEETING PLACE
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An e-zine for Katimavik alumni
January 2007
Your Alumni Office
We have been really excited by the growing
energy that is going into our incredible
network of over 27,000 alumni.
Executive Director's message
This issue of the Meeting Place exhibits many
major projects that are bearing fruit for our
alumni community this fall.
Group-on-profile
Your Alumni Office
Group-on-profile
Katima-love connections!
Alumni get their hands dirty across
the country!
Today's participants throughout the
regions...
Voluntary simplicity and simple
abundance
1978-1979
1983-1986
1996-1998
2003-2006
This is a submissions
call-out for our next
Meeting Place!
Admire some of our
amazing groups from
2005-2006!
Meet group 30 from 1977-1978 who were
among the first to pack their bags and hit the
road together.
Learn about post-Katimaviik exclusive
relationships!
Alumni get their hands
dirty across the
country!
Today's participants
throughout the
regions...
Out on the West coast.
A tradition of haunted
houses in the Atlantic
region.
In the Prairies.
In Quebec.
On the East coast.
A Training Manager at Head
Office!
In Quebec... je me
souviendrais.
More than just candies in
Ontario.
Prairie home companions.
BC magic.
Voluntary simplicity
and simple abundance
1978-1979
Earla (Cassels) Legault
‘More and novel is better’?
1983-1986
Susan Beals (Mandeville),
Sylvie Rochefort, Jayne Ball
(Tilley), and Stéphane Luce.
1996-1998
Caroline Morin and Bruno
Arpin
2003-2006
Marie-Claude Blass, Jade
Ouellet, Lindsay Materi and
Rachael Sulz
Message from your Alumni Office
Dear alumni!
It has been a busy summer and fall for the Katimavik Alumni Office and we have been really excited by the growing
energy that is going into our incredible network of over 27,000 alumni. Some highlights:
We launched our new and improved Katimavik alumni directory and it has really taken off! Past the one-week mark, we
already saw over 1,500 alumni log into the new directory and update their profiles. We can now see pictures, emails,
and we are finally hearing more about your families, travels, or reunions that are underway. This directory is still a work
in progress, but your feedback assures us that we are off to a great start.
Another fun project has been sending out personalized postcards to our new alumni from 2005-2006. Each project
leader sent us a picture of their last groups and we turned them into postcards, which got sent to our new addition-
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members, telling them what many of us already know: you’re stuck with Katimavik! Or at least Katimavik hopes to be
stuck with you…
We have also been in training, other people’s that is! This year, we made it a point to share the importance of alumni as
a pillar of the program by stretching our talons into this year’s staff training with new tools and resources for them to
use. We follow the philosophy that alumni help keep us thinking outside the box, and this philosophy got passed along
to all the project coordinators who met in Val-David, Quebec before heading back to set up all our projects this year
across the country.
You have been keeping us busy as well in our offices with your phone calls and emails, and we are happy to report that
over the course of the spring and summer, we responded to over 700 of your emails and many, many phone calls.
Looking back, we want to thank you for your incredible response to the last issue of the Meeting Place, which you can
still find online in our alumni corner.
Looking ahead, we have other projects that we will boast about in our next issue in the new year.
But now, this time around, we are again proud to show you some of the colours of our Alumni Association in this latest
issue of the Meeting Place. Alongside the usual suspects, we couldn’t resist highlighting two new sections in our e-zine.
Meet some of the members of one of our very first groups back in 1977-1978 in “Group on Profile”, and gossip with
other inquiring minds after reading about several wonderful “Katima-love connections”…
All that’s left to say is… keep in touch, update your profile and keep reading!
Cory Legassic
Alumni Office Coordinator
Back to top
Dear alumni,
This issue of the Meeting Place exhibits many major projects undertaken by our Alumni Office that are bearing fruit for
our alumni community this fall. It demonstrates the growing level of activity in our alumni networking and that we are
strengthening the foundation of our alumni community by developing more tools and providing better resources.
Among many accomplishments, I wish to highlight the launch of our new and improved Katimavik alumni directory. It
holds over 27,000 alumni profiles dating back to 1977. We are pleased as well to see that many of you are sharing your
experiences of the program and giving advice to new generations of participants on the MySpace forum we set up last
spring. The number of individuals active on this forum is continually growing.
Many of you collaborated with us in our recruitment efforts for the 2006-2007 program year, so we would like to take
this opportunity to thank you for your contributions in bringing together new groups that are already showing great
promise through their active community involvement. Be sure to take a look for yourselves in our “Projects at a Glance”
section.
Before leaving for the holidays, we learned the news that the federal government has approved Katimavik’s funding for
another program year until the fall of 2008. This will provide the opportunity for close to a 1,000 more young Canadians
to participate in Katimavik and engage in national youth service. We have been working very hard with the current
government as well as the leaders of the other parties to try to get our message across. This is a clear indication that
this government recognizes the value of Katimavik and the benefits it provides for both youth and communities. This
decision confirms that Katimavik is a valid option for Canadian youth, bridging the gap between high school and postsecondary education and engaging them to be active citizens. We look forward to working with the government this
year in shaping the program to respond to the needs of Canadians and ensure multi-year funding so that even more
youth can engage in volunteer service.
As I promised in the last issue of the Meeting Place, we have posted a link to the results of the Social and Economic
Impact Study of the Katimavik program on our Web site. Among many interesting findings, the study reveals that
participants completing the program demonstrate a higher self-assessed level of leadership skills and work ethics
compared to non-participants — skills that are highly valuable in the job market. We encourage you to read about the
other interesting findings in this report.
With all these projects underway and more to come with Katimavik’s 30th anniversary in 2007, you have every reason
to stay informed about Katimavik’s program and activities.
Jean-Guy Bigeau
Executive Director, Katimavik
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Tell us where you’ve been!
Meet our first Group-on-profile.
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Group 30 from 1977-1978 were among the first to pack their bags and hit the road together. Nine months helped pave
the way ahead for each of them. Almost thirty years later, some of them came back to tell us where they’ve been...
1977-1978
from Yukon-BC to Northern New Brunswick to Ontario.
Murray Forman (Montreal, QC)
I travelled throughout North America and lived in pockets of the West (Kootenays, Comox Valley in B.C.) and in the U.S.
as well. The "back-to-the-land" ideals that were important to Katimavik stayed with me an awfully long time, but I also
eventually realized that I wasn't hitting all my personal benchmarks in that mode and, frankly, I wasn't so well suited to
the rural/agricultural/communal lifestyle that Katimavik framed for me. I returned to university in 1985 and pretty much
never left. Now I am a professor teaching Media and Cultural Studies in a large private university in Boston.
One change that amazes me still and that others might be surprised by is my almost 25-year involvement with hip-hop
culture. It is a radical departure from the folky, organic themes and interests that dominated during the Katimavik era
(really, Katimavik seemed to have a pronounced rural and folky feel, almost to a fault...the urban scene was not
prominent and was often even looked down upon in that first year). I came to regard rap music as a very important and
engaging means of musical story-telling and a highly effective medium for political protest, which were always the
aspects of topical folk music that I respected the most. But hip-hop was better to dance to than the strumming and
humming among the folk artists and the urgency of black political protest was (and remains) of central importance to
me. I suspect that hip-hop is a very real element among contemporary Katimavik participants.
I think Katimavik instilled many values that are sustained in my daily practice. I respected the real political and
environmental energies and involvement of my Katima-family and remain super impressed by how many folks have
continued work in this vein, remaining engaged and responsible citizens who don't back down from a good fight around
progressive issues.
Jennifer Hansen (Vancouver, BC)
Here goes...
I cycled off from Timmins at the end of Katimavik in 1978, visited a few Kats en route to Toronto, eventually caught a
train back to Calgary (when it was still affordable!) and landed a job doing environmental research. I already had a
B.Sc. in Geography. Spent about 5 years and then travelled in Asia, returned to Calgary and volunteered, took courses,
taught ESL. In 1985 I went to Zimbabwe to teach for 3 years. Truly amazing... Moved to the U.K. for graduate work in
development studies. When I finished I worked in Ottawa with South African refugees, and then in Toronto
(environmental stuff again). In 1992 I returned to Zimbabwe for three years on a CIDA project. Shortly after arriving I
met my husband and started a family! When my contract was finished, we eventually moved to Cape Town via
Johannesburg, where we spent 3 years and had another child. Now I'm 6 years back, in Vancouver, home-based with
kids, doing small things!
Thank you.
Wilma Janzen (Dartmouth, NS)
In my twenties (after Katimavik), I bicycled around the Cabot Trail, earned a university diploma in Early Childhood
Education (Mount St. Vincent U.) and a degree in Recreation Management (Acadia U.) and helped my father dismantle
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the 6-flue chimney in our 200-year-old home, brick by brick, from top (2 stories plus full attic) to basement. I lived in
Calgary, Toronto and Kentville during my thirties. This decade I’m working on a second degree (Master of Divinity,
Acadia Divinity College) and two more diplomas (Prison Ministry, Acadia, and Restorative Justice, Queens.) So far I’ve
had 32 (I think) different jobs, ranging from apple picker to registrar for a national conference to Christian Education
pastor. I've done lots of outdoor, wilderness activities, weight-training, been to the Indianapolis 500 (saw a Canadian
win!), driven alone across the entire country (although not in one trip), watched sea lions seriously attack each other in
a Japanese aquarium, and taken pleasure in watching penguins wherever I could – West Edmonton Mall, Boston, and
Japan so far! I am currently a part-time chaplain at the provincial jail (Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility) in
Dartmouth, as I work at finishing my degree.
Peace.
Catherine Doherty (Toronto, ON)
Katimavik reinforced my belief that I was not the type to work for a dollar a day and therefore after the program, I
attended the University of New Brunswick, in Fredericton, and Carleton University, in Ottawa.
After university I was employed with the banking sector in Ottawa and realized that although I can be fairly materialistic
I was not interested in heading a regional delinquency unit for mortgages and consumer loans. I competed for a
management job with the provincial government which moved me to Toronto, Peterborough and Kingston. In Kingston,
I met my husband Peter, who emphatically stated that he was not interested in being a nomad, moving from city to city
every 3 – 5 years. After 7 years in Kingston, as the chief rent officer, I obtained the position of vice-chair of the Ontario
Rental Housing Tribunal. On the road again…. this time back to Toronto. During our years together, Peter and I tried
desperately for children, but to no avail.
Before starting the vice-chair position, I discovered a lump in my breast and was diagnosed with breast cancer. We
abandoned the dream of having children. It was amazing how quickly cancer puts your priorities in place – family
first. As I was only 41 at the time, I opted for a fairly virulent form of chemotherapy and have a number of ongoing
health issues resulting from chemo, but it looks like it worked.
In keeping with the Katimavik spirit, upon return to work, I competed for a position with the Ministry of the
Environment. I now manage 50+ professional staff (environmental planners & engineers) who are engaged in
environmental assessments and approvals, and drafting recommendation packages for the minister on some of the
most significant environmental issues faced by the province. I’ve come full circle.
When not working, I spend my time spoiling the hell out of my nephews and nieces (11), setting a bad example
wherever possible, and catering to our two, oh so spoiled dogs!
Guylaine Laverdiere (Abitibi, QC)
I sincerely believe that my Katimavik experience enriched my life.
After completing the program, I settled down in Abitibi, where I worked in an outdoor recreational area for 10 years. I
also set up a tent and lived in it for 3 summers.
Then, I decided to study teaching. After holding a part-time position for 10 years, I know work full-time with children
aged 6 to 7.
I met the love of my life and we’ve had two charming daughters. Maude is 18 and studies in fashion design, while her
sister, Laure, is 15 and still in high school.
Yves, my life partner, built our house. We live near a lake and have a beautiful property. If you’re passing through
Abitibi, you can find us at 24, Baie du Club, Lac Mourier Malartic; the postal address is C.P. 15 83 Malartic J0Y 1Z0 and
my telephone number is 819 757- 6336.
I thank life and hope that everyone I’ve met is as privileged as I am.
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A group reunion in 2006!
Moe Knowles – group leader (Skookumchuk, BC)
i went--north to the backwoods, south to the desert. with kids and dogs and sometimes goats. living the harrowsmith
dream. finding out where i belonged, and in fact what great gifts belonged to me. over the many miles, i've collected
many memories, tons of rocks, and a few excellent good friends. it tickles me pink to realize that even when kat friends
have been gone for nigh 30 years, they are still never lost.
Moe hosted the latest reunion which was affectionately named Moestock. You can see highlights of this reunion at
www.earnest.ca/katimavik. Moe came and visited the Alumni Office in Montreal this past year so that we could properly
bond over our experiences as project leader/group Leader in the community of Caraquet, NB.
Yves Brodeur – group leader (Calgary, AB)
WOW! Moestock was a time to store in the file of special memories. It was wonderful to reconnect with a dozen Kat
alumni and meet the spouses and some families. Moe, thank you for making it happen and your lovely place. Matthew,
thank you for your enthusiasm and of course the salmon! Everyone, thank you for the friendships, conversations,
sharing, food, help (good spousal support is so important!), music, hoops...
We enjoyed the pictures and reminiscing shared, and missed everyone who wasn't with us. So, we eagerly look forward
to the next gathering. Looking forward to the pictures, I think!
Cheers.
Back to top
George Snelgrove and Babs, 1977-1978
Yamnuska (AB), Dawson City (YT) and Clare (NS)
It was 1977 when I was thrilled to be accepted as a group leader for that first year of Katimavik and went through the
first ever staff training camp. I was disappointed to lose out on getting my own group by the flip of a coin but finally, by
October 17, 1977, 29 years ago, I met my future wife, one of my participants, as she arrived at the Calgary airport.
Over those 10 months in Yamnuska, AB; Dawson City, Yukon; and Church Point, Nova Scotia; we got to see and know
each other through many varied life situations. From living in Teepees, to experiencing an old gold mining town, to
lobster fishing, our whole group became a family to each other. At the conclusion of the program, I introduced Babs to
my own family before she headed back west to complete her university degree. Five years after meeting, we were
married and then we headed off on a one-year honeymoon in the South Pacific.
We now live on a hobby farm in the mountains 2 hours east of Vancouver with our grade 12 daughter Leah, and 3rd
year BSc. student Gina at Bishop's University, Quebec. We've kept in touch with a few ex-Kats and had a great gettogether with 5 of us plus spouses in Quebec City this past summer. If any others from our team wish to contact
[email protected] after reading this, maybe one day we can organize a bigger get-together! Babs and I both thank
Katimavik for the last 29 exciting years.
Louise Menard and Brian Guillemette, 1979-1980
Donnacona (QC), Wolfville (NS) and Grande Cache (AB)
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After graduating from Algonquin College in 1979, I applied to and was accepted by Katimavik as a participant. My first
rotation was in Saint-Raymond, Quebec, where I lived in a one-room schoolhouse with 9 other people. Working with
another group, we painted the recreation centre, completed a town census and cleared brush for a small ski hill.
My second rotation was in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where we lived in a 110-year-old house at Stars
Point. We used outdoor toilets, and showered once a week at Acadia University. While there we built
furniture for the Katimavik office in Halifax and worked with mentally challenged adults in their daily
lives. I was billeted for two weeks with an interesting family, living a completely organic lifestyle.
After spending Christmas with our families, we all flew to Edmonton, in January of
1980. This was the beginning our adventure in Grande Cache, Alberta. Just getting
here was an adventure in itself, as we discovered when the Rocky Mountains came into
view and we saw the sign just outside Hinton stating “No gas for next 92 miles”. Living
within the community we did a census for the town and worked at the school. For two
weeks Andree and I lived at the camp at Lone Teepee Creek. The caretaker of the
camp was a “Grizzly Adams” type character. He cleaned up real nice and when he did
it was love at first sight!! We began dating and I remained in Grande Cache. Brian and
I were married in 1981 and our sons were born in 1985 and 1988. Our sons have
grown up and left home, and we continue to live happily in the mountains.
Ron Grundy, 1983-1984
Senneterre (QC), Murray River (PE), and California (USA)
I was in Katimavik in 83 and 84. I went to Quebec, Prince Edward Island and California and I had a really great time
when I was in PEI. I stayed at a farm there, and when the people I met asked where I was from, I said Windsor,
Ontario. They told me they had a relative there. They said she was about my age and I said that was fine. I was
thinking to myself that I was never going to meet her. Well, to make a long story short, when I came back, I meet this
really nice lady around Christmas time. We were wrapping presents and she was looking at the pictures from Katimavik
and she asked why her relatives were in these pictures? She was the person that the people were talking about! We
have been married for 16 years now and we have 3 children. I still can't believe that it was something that was meant
to happen. Thank you very much for all you have done. Keep up the good work!
Geneviève Cossette, 1997-1998
Hawksbury (ON), Hall Harbour (NS) and Brandon (MB)
It was during the 1997-1998 program year, from September 3 to May 13 to be precise. A great gang but we lost several
members after a few weeks. I think it has been the best experience of my life and it has also guided me to my destiny.
The funniest part of the story is that my sister saw the small 5cm by 4cm add in the classified section of our local paper,
but wasn’t old enough to participate. If it wasn’t for her, I would never have gone and I would never have met the love
of my life (I know, it sounds like a soap opera!). So, I went to Hawkesbury (Ontario), Hall’s Harbour (Nova Scotia) and
Brandon (Manitoba). During my first rotation, my aunt went to see her hairdresser for a haircut, and after chatting a bit
the hairdresser told her that her son was gone for a year to participate in a program called Katimavik. My aunt having
remembered that name talked about me, who was also in the program, and they finally figured out that we were both
heading to the same places but not in the same rotations. We would probably see the same things, but wouldn’t meet
each other. They gave us each other’s contact information and we ended up talking all year and afterwards we finally
met. We’ve been together ever since (8 years on May 30) and the baby is due for June 30 of this year. It’s things like
this that make us realize that it’s a small world and that maybe, somehow, our future has already been mapped out for
us!
I could say so many things about the program itself and its aftermath, the people who did the program after hearing of
it, my boyfriend’s experience (when they finished, there were only 3 participants left!), my wonderful billeting
experiences and my own experience as a billeting family this winter. All that has changed my life in a positive way
(despite the highs and lows that we went through) and even people I know still talk to me about this positive change.
Marc LeBlanc and Genevieve Bournival, 2005 – 2006
Ste-Adèle (QC), Campbell River (BC), and Grimsby (ON)
It sounds quite like a fairy tale, but in all honesty, I knew there was something special about Genevieve long before I
knew her name. As an Anglo-Albertan, never have I seen either that many e’s in a name, or that many different
pronunciations of the letter. She was on the bus already when it met us at the airport arrivals exit, so we only saw each
other in the light for the first time after the hustle and bustle of luggage and we sat down for our first group meeting
(and many unsuccessful name games).
On the ride to Orientation Camp, I was lucky enough to sit in the back seat beside her, about two days after we heard
that exclusive relationships were an absolute no-no. That did not faze me much as I put my arm around the back of the
seat nonchalantly. She responded, and we went from there. A week later we agreed the rule had a reason, but sucked
nonetheless. In our last rotation, the two of us tied at the top of interviewed participants for two placements in the local
elementary school. The school staff hadn’t noticed our relationship until well into the trimester, and they were all happy
for us. This was greatly appreciated after the myriad frowns during the previous eight months at that point.
Real life set in, and after two months of separation, I decided enough was enough and bought a plane ticket. Four days
later, I moved in with her here, in Trois-Rivieres, QC. In September 2007, I will study Architecture at McGill University,
in Montreal, while she will likely go to UQAM.
Back to top
Car-Free Commercial Drive Festival
Katimavik attended the second annual Car-Free Commercial Drive Festival on June 18th. Three past participants (Elisa
Fung, Nathan Griffiths and Josh Harrie) volunteered at a booth where they answered questions, shared their
experiences and spread the word about Katimavik. The bright summer sun, live music and dancing attracted a large
crowd and we spoke with potential community partner representatives, participants and staff.
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“Josh and Elisa” Photo: Past participants Josh Harrie (left) and Elisa Fung spoke with many of the thousands of people
who attended this year’s Car-Free Commercial Drive Festival.
New alumni greet new participants landing in BC
One of my roles as the project support officer for the Lower Mainland cluster of Katimavik British Columbia is to find
alumni to greet the new participants as they arrive at the airport. On September 27th, six alumni travelled to the
Vancouver International Airport to welcome the Lower Mainland Katimavik groups. Two of the alumni, David Guedes and
Marie-Claude Brisson, were two of my participants during the third trimester in Collingwood, Ontario, from April 5th to
July 5th. A third, Chris Farrer, was a participant in Penetanguishene, Ontario, another project in our cluster.
The three came together as a group and exhibited the traits of a classic Katimavik alumnus. They were independent,
forthcoming, amiable, and most of all extremely empathetic of the new participants’ upcoming trials and tribulations.
Dave, in particular, answered any and all questions, and then some, that the participants had. Meanwhile, Marie-Claude
was briefing the francophone participants about their upcoming experience. Chris was always around if I needed him to
help me find a participant arriving at a different gate.
The alumni we contacted to join us at the airport helped to foster a very warm ambiance which permeated a
comfortable feeling for the participants. Dave, Marie-Claude, and Chris stayed the entire day at the airport, and have
carried over the positive energy from their Katimavik experience into this Katimavik experience. Riding the bus, on the
way from the airport to the Katimavik houses, I observed the groups singing, chatting, and generally enjoying each
other’s company. The atmosphere between the three groups, the staff, and each individual project is remarkable and
having Dave, Marie-Claude, and Chris aided in this unbridled positive energy the groups have.
On September 29th, Dave and Marie-Claude joined us at our mass orientation in Maple Ridge, BC. Immediately, they
were in the kitchen helping our chef, Reva McDonnell, another alumnus from 1981. Reva indicated that they were
extremely helpful to her in preparing dinner that evening. Reva kept us well fed as camp cook, and also entertained
them with stories of her experience in the program. The new participants were able to ask questions to alumni
attendees and also peruse Reva’s Katimavik participant manual and Katimavik photo album. Reva is often heard saying
“Katimavik is the best thing that’s happened to me besides having my son.” She also had the opportunity to share
stories of her 20 year Katimavik reunion.
In the evening before the regional skits, Dave and I were able to have an extended conversation about our experience
together as project leader and participant. I shared many things with Dave that I hadn’t before and it was nice to
connect with him as friends, as opposed to the dichotomous PL/participant relationship. Dave helped me organize and
debrief my experience as project leader and for that I am eternally grateful. A major thank you is in order to Dave,
Marie-Claude, Chris, Reva, and all of the alumni who continue to help Katimavik grow in each community across
Canada. Without them, Katimavik would not have this rich sense of history, community, and generosity which form the
essence of the organization.
Michael Empey,
Project Support Officer, BC/YT Phase II
’80s participant reconnects
I was a Katimavik participant in 1984. My first time volunteering as an alumnus was last year (2005). I was feeling very
nostalgic about Katimavik and thought now that my kids are older, I could give back to the organization. I attended the
Under the Volcano festival in North Vancouver, BC, last summer and helped at the Katimavik table, giving out
pamphlets and talking to interested people. I brought my photo album and many wonderful memories of my
experience. People laughed at our clothing and hairstyles from the ’80s, but once they looked past that they were able
to see all the fantastic things we did.
There was a young woman at the Katimavik table who had just finished her nine months, so I think it was interesting
for people to be able to talk to both of us, who had such different perspectives. Also, I think it was great for people to
see that I was still just as enthusiastic about Katimavik 21 years after I was a participant.
Katimavik was one of the best things I ever did and I was honoured to share that sentiment with people.
Peace, love & bagels (a saying I picked up during Katimavik and still use),
Norma Mah
1983-1984 St.Iles (QC), Bonnyvile (AB) and Sydenham (ON)
Back to top
In the Prairies, I’ve caught the Katima-bug….again.
About 5 years ago, I was on the adventure of a lifetime. Travelling throughout Canada with 10 other young adults,
volunteering and discovering what it means to be Canadian, and what it meant to be me. From the moment I met my
first PL, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I just didn’t know when, or how for that matter, as my French wasn’t
exactly up to par.
I always admired my PLs for having the courage and determination to support us participants throughout the program.
They were always right there to take the good and the bad. I never would have made it through the program myself if it
weren’t for my PLs. At one point, I asked for the departure papers, and was seriously contemplating packing it in. My PL
took the time to guide me through a reflection on the experience. It was then that I realized that if I can learn one thing
about myself when everything seems to be going wrong, then it is worth every second.
This past winter, I found myself wandering aimlessly around Canada. I had returned to Terrace, BC, one of my
rotational stops along the Katimavik path, and stayed with some folks I worked with at the BC Forest Service (I am still
determined to move there permanently). I was there for 4 months, when I got the nerve up to try Calgary out.
When I arrived in the Cow Town, it was all I could do not to get eaten up by the hustle and bustle of the city. I knew
that I needed to get out, and find something that made me excited to get out of bed each day. I needed to make a
difference and rediscover my passion for life.
If there is one thing that I learned while I was participating in Katimavik, it was that everything happens for a reason. I
was surfing the net one day, and thought that I would check the Katima-page out again just for kicks. This only lead me
back to the days when I thought that I would like to be a PL. Now, with a post secondary education in Environmental
Science, and a desire to avoid the typical desk job, I saw that Katimavik was hiring and voila…I landed an interview at
the Calgary Regional Office, and I am now working as a PL in Weyburn, Sask. I couldn’t have asked for a better
community to be working in!
Being a PL is everything that I thought it would be and more. I am coaching 11 participants through some of the most
challenging experiences of their lives thus far. Already, there have been days when I thought to myself that I have
jumped from the pot to the fire, but like I say about Terrace, one day of sunshine is worth a thousand days of rain. If I
can help just one participant stick it out, then all the tears were well worth it.
Who knows in what capacity I will be working with the organization in the future? What I do know, is that it will not stop
here as a PL. Be it volunteering as an alumni, offering my home as a billeting family or even taking a position at the
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regional office. As Martin Allard put it on the first day of training, “Katimavik is not a job, it’s a lifestyle.” It is my
lifestyle.
Aniela Jane Hannaford
Project Leader, Weyburn (SK), 2006-2007
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Mass-O
Seven past participants came to talk about their experience during the mass orientation held in Montreal. Here’s how
the evening of exchanges proceeded between new participants and past participants.
The meeting was between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and was split into two parts:
Part 1:
The panel: past participants were seated in front and took turns introducing themselves, making sure to mention the
communities and provinces they had been to. Afterwards, on a voluntary basis, past participants shared their
experiences on certain subjects relating to Katimavik. To keep the flow of the meeting, I asked the past participants to
either speak in French or in English. However, when some comments were more significant, we translated.
The subjects for the discussion were written on a flip chart and past participants would move from one subject to the
next, going down the list. As the host, I had to occasionally intervene to have them move on to the next subject, but in
general I wasn’t involved.
The subjects were: the arrival to the project (integration), group living, work placements, billeting, food, languages,
learning programs, excursions and advice from past participants to new ones.
The first part lasted about an hour. The new participants were pretty tired towards the end. They could ask questions
during the panel. The majority of them were very interested by the experiences of the past participants. A few people
told me they saw Katimavik in a whole new light following the meeting. They were even more motivated to be part of
Katimavik.
The second part was a dessert potluck. Both new and past participants had brought desserts. It allowed new
participants to go see past participants on their own and ask questions. During this part, past participants were allowed
to bring photo albums and journals to share with new participants.
The second part was intended to create bonds between past participants that wanted to be involved with the project; for
the new shy ones, it was an opportunity for them to ask questions directly to past participants.
Everybody got what they came for!
Karine Dagenais,
Project Support Officer
To Be or Not To Be a Project Leader.
My experience as a Katimavik participant began in January 2000. I didn’t know at the time that it was the beginning of
a long love story for this wonderful program. After this first experience, I went back home to finish my bachelor’s
degree and then went to work in Human Resources. I quickly became aware that I missed Katimavik’s hands-on vision.
I missed community life and the authenticity of relationships that are built within such a program, but mostly I longed
to once again experience the sense of pride that comes with becoming involved in a cause one believes in. To fix this, I
decided to become involved with Katimavik again as a project leader. I am presently looking for different ways to help
other groups. I had recently been asked to participate in an evening during mass orientation that reunited new
participants with past participants in order for them to share their experiences. I am convinced that the comments
made by the past participants helped a few new participants. However, I must admit that most of them were exhausted
after a long day of workshops, and with good cause. It reminded me of my first week as a participant and of the
incredible amount of information we were given in such a short time. I really sympathized with these new participants;
their heads full of behavioural standards, learning programs and so many other details! That evening made me want to
go back and tell them to take it one step at a time. We have to admit that for many, in the beginning, there is a fear of
everything new. I was really happy to be there that night, even if they were tired. It only made me want to help out
more, share my experience and give advice to all these new participants that don’t really know what they’ve gotten
themselves into and to reassure them that everything won’t just be fine, it’ll be great.
Karine Laliberté, 1999-2000
South River (ON), Village Abram (PE), and Okotoks (AB)
An active resource person in the community
Hi, my name is Jonathan Tremblay and I am a former Katimavik participant for year 2003-2004. I really enjoyed my
experience and during the program I discovered that I really liked to be surrounded by people.
When I finished the program, I asked my regional office to send me flyers because I wanted to talk about my
experience and introduce the program to other kids from my area. I was informed that Katimavik had a few projects in
my area, which is Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. I decided to get involved by helping them find community partners, a
house, billeting families…and everything else that has to do with the program! I have been helping groups for 2 years
now and I will continue to be involved with them by helping project leaders and groups find activities. I really believe in
the program and I’m convinced that there are many possibilities in my area for Katimavik groups! You can do the same
by looking for areas and towns with projects on the Katimavik Web site. I hope that my enthusiasm will entice you to do
as much within your communities as a past participant.
Regards,
Jonathan Tremblay, 2203-2004
St. Catharines (ON), Bedford (QC), and Princeton (BC)
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Katimavik Recruiting at Evolve
Hello hello, my name is Angela Hughes and I am a proud past participant of Katimavik. I completed the program in
August 2005. My placements were Sydney, N.S., Blind River, Ontario and La Pocatière, Québec. I had a great
experience while on the program and made life-long friends. This August 3rd, 4th and 5th, I had the opportunity to do
some recruiting for Katimavik at an annual music festival in Antigonish. This was the seventh year Evolve was held and
it was a great opportunity to spread the word about the program, hear about many past participants’ experiences,
participate in a few workshops and hear some unbelievably great live music!!
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We set up our kiosk along with many other organizations in the awareness village, which is an area known for learning
new things, meet new and old friends, and participate in workshops. Passing along the Katima-word was not as hard as
I had imagined it to be. I encountered lots of interested individuals who were curious as to what Katimavik was all
about, many past project leaders, past participants and tons of people who knew someone who had completed the
program. People were all about sharing their stories and learning about my adventures too! Taking time out from my
summer studies and research to recruit for Katimavik was definitely a fulfilling weekend; not only did I meet lots of
Katimavik-minded people, but I also got to participate in an alternative fuel workshop about Bio-diesel and veggie oil. I
also learned about other great non-profit organizations and heard some great music, while basking in the summer heat
and promoting a great program that is near to my heart.
Angela Hughes, 2004-2005
Sydney (NS), Blind River (ON) and La Pocatière (QC)
Becoming a work supervisor!
As a Katimavik participant in 2003-2004, I gave almost no thought to what connection I might maintain with the
program in the future. Upon completion of the program, I returned home from Cocagne, New Brunswick, completely
unaware that there was such a thing as a Katimavik Alumni Association.
A few months later, I returned to the East Coast to attend the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Back
home, in London, Ontario, my parents decided to hunt down and “adopt” the local Katimavik group. I visited my family
over the winter break, and met the group. During my visit, one of the group members named Izzy asked me lots of
questions about King’s College, and she enrolled there the next year. When she arrived in Halifax, she got involved with
the local Katimavik group, and sucked me back into the Katimavik family. I ran a bread-making workshop for the new
participants, and started to get involved with the Katimavik regional office (just down the street from King’s).
Last March, I was elected president of the King’s Students’ Union. One of our executive’s goals for the year is to
improve the quality of the day-to-day services we provide out of our office. King’s is a very small university, and so our
union cannot afford a staff person. This means all of us running the office are full-time students. What was needed to
improve our services would be to find a full-time volunteer… sound familiar?
Even though I have been involved with the students’ union for almost three years, I only starting thinking this summer
about how much we would benefit from a Katimavik participant. Once our executive began brainstorming work we could
ask a participant to help with, we realized just how interesting our office would be for a participant. We run a bar and a
bookstore, we supervise fifty student societies, we lobby all levels of government, and provide dozen of other daily
services to the students. Now that I have reconnected with the program, I realize that I can give back to Katimavik
many different ways.
Dave Jerome, 2003-2004
High River (AB), Thornbury (ON), and Cocagne (NB)
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On Group Leadership!
Upon leaving Katimavik on July 6, 1981, I had a $1,000 cheque in my pocket and a dream: becoming a project leader
(or group leader, as this position was then called). I know, not very original, right? After all, hundreds of other
participants have shared this dream. However, as far as I was concerned, this plan was to shape my future.
Three years later, still determined to properly prepare myself to work as a project leader, I enrolled in a university
program focused on group leadership. It covered all the basics of facilitation for advisory, work and training groups,
among others.
In 1986, Brian Mulroney made sure that I wouldn’t get the opportunity to become a Katimavik project leader; honestly,
I’m not sure I would’ve been a particularly good one anyway. However, I began to focus my career on the training
aspect of group leadership. Since then, I’ve familiarized myself with all its facets: facilitation, design, training trainers
and, finally, training management. I have even taken this one step further by becoming the training manager within
Katimavik’s Human Resources Department in 2003. As you can see, the road to destiny can sometimes be very winding
indeed! I’d also perfected my training techniques with Katimavik as a workshop leader for my region’s groups. Whether
you’re skilled in sports, dietetics, the environment, leisure activities, local folklore or anything else, you certainly have
something to offer a Katimavik group.
To help you achieve this, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with training group leadership. In the next issues of
Meeting Place, I will add an article on a different aspect of training skills, such as basic concepts, techniques, tricks of
the trade, and many more… just what you need to become a great facilitator. See you soon!
Sylvie Collin, 1980-1981
Seigneurie Pabos (QC), Fort Simpson (NT) and Smith Falls (ON)
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A tradition of haunted houses in the Atlantic region.
October 31st, 2006 was an important day for the children of Lamèque, in northwestern New Brunswick, on the Acadian
peninsula. Indeed, for the third consecutive year, they could once again enjoy a great Halloween. The Harvest Festival
reached its peak and brought back the chimera tradition. The Katimavik House was the nexus of the mysteries of
October. Participants prepared decorations, moved furniture, and painted every corner of the house, so that it could
host the children of Lamèque and its surrounding areas for over five hours.
The Katimavik House’s set-up was so perfect for the occasion that children and parents even came all the way from
Paquetville and Tracadie Sheila, more than 50 kilometers from Lamèque.
This event, now a veritable tradition in the peninsula, draws costumed children eagerly awaiting the chance to meet
Katimavik participants, dressed according to the evening’s theme. The house is filled with surprises of all kinds,
sometimes pretty frightening ones. In fact, even older kids wanted to stick with their friends or parents. Young thrillseekers were greeted in groups of five by Nadine Bernard, our project leader, who lead them through the chills and
spills of our beautiful Katimavik House.
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This year, people were treated to a « Notre Dame de Paris » theme. This was great news to the region’s residents, both
young and old, who were asking since September whether or not the Halloween tradition would be maintained and were
eagerly awaiting this event. It goes without saying that this was an original way to introduce our Katimavik participants
to this great region.
Come visit our house and discover our beautiful region at the heart of Acadie.
François Duchesne,
Project Coordinator
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Starting the program off with a bang
I first heard about Katimavik through hearsay; I had never been a participant or a project leader. I knew that some
weird things could happen, mostly when the project leader was away, but to have a story to tell after only one week in
the program… Here are my first 24 hours: when I left the house, everything was calm. I felt a little worried, but had fun
anyway. I got back the following morning to the news that all the emergency phone numbers had been contacted and
we had had a surprise visit.
First off, 3 of my girls had locked themselves out of their room without a spare key, so they panicked and call the PC,
the landlord (did I mention it was 10:15pm?), the community’s emergency respondent and even a locksmith! Finally,
the PC contacted them at some point and told them that it wasn’t the end of the world, and that I would be back within
15 hours. When morning finally came, my two house managers prepared breakfast, burnt it and set off the fire alarm
system (we live in a community center), which woke everyone up. They stayed inside, attempting to get the black
smoke out of the building through the windows. Then the firefighters, caretaker and landlord all showed up!
Welcome to Katimavik, my dear!
Marie-Eve Carrière,
Project Leader, Drummondville
Quebec City
For the last three weeks, in Quebec City, we’ve been experiencing group living and all the activities that this new
lifestyle brings. Everything started at l’Ile-aux-Coudres during Mass-O, our mass orientation weekend, when three
groups got to know each other before embarking on the wonderful journey that is Katimavik. The bonds then forged are
still strong, even though we’re split between three different communities: Baie-St-Paul, Lévis and Quebec City.
Within our group, we have four Quebecers, one of whom comes from the Gaspé region; three Ontarians, one of whom
has Italian roots; one girl from Saskatchewan; one guy from Manitoba; and two people from British Columbia, including
a guy with an Asian background. Such a great cultural diversity! We’ve already had a few Mandarin lessons… kind of a
difficult language! Among our multitude of cultural discoveries, we had a real feast for our Thanksgiving dinner. Since
Quebecers rarely celebrate this event, it was great to see all the good vibes floating around the table. Speaking of
fantastic meals, we also had the privilege of hosting Marie-Claude Rhéaume, a Katimavik alumni (1982… I think!!!) and
one of our colleagues at O’Sullivan College, during a Vietnamese-themed dinner. While we ate, we also got to watch a
presentation of her travels to Vietnam. It was really interesting and educational!
We’ve been doing some great activities so far! We’ve even met the other two groups of our cluster during Mass-O, a
volunteer day for the Rêve d’Automne festival in Baie-St-Paul, an apple-picking day on Ile d’Orléans and other activities
in Quebec City during our free time. Our new life is very organized and fast-paced, but we love the KATIMAVIK
program!
P.S.: By the way, our project leader asked us to write this article as a punishment!!! Hi hi! Not too shabby, don’t you
think?!?
Audrey-Anne Harvey and Catherine Dion-Gagnon with Marie-Pierre Gibeault (PL)
Quebec City project
Kati-quoi à Baie-St-Paul
Le soleil se lève tard ce matin.
Les Laurentides caches-tu le soleil?
Le vent froid me gèle les mains.
Parvient-il du Saint Laurent?
La ville est bien silencieuse.
Sommes-nous déjà en Automne?
J'ai pu le temps d'être paresseuse.
Suis-je si préoccupé?
Katimavik
Kati-quoi?
En marchant 10 minutes je suis au travail.
La vie est-il si facile?
21h sonnent le chemin de fer.
Il y en a tu qui débarque?
C'est tout rouge quand je sors.
C'est tu les arbres?
Le Massif est fort.
N'est-il pas une montagne?
Katimahouse
Kati-quoi?
Il y a quelque chose dans ma boîte aux lettres.
Un cadeau de mon ami secret j'espère?
Il y a rien qu'on jette.
Influencer par les 3 R j'imagine?
Il y a trop à faire, une autre fin de semaine remplie.
Et que ferons-nous la semaine prochaine?
Touche tes orteils, Jean dit!
Les anglophones vont tu comprendre?
Katimavan
Kati-quoi?
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Une autre lettre, faut que j'envoie une!
Vais-je recevoir une cette semaine?
Le ciel est clair, regarde la lune.
Peut-on nommer les constellations?
House meeting, on se rencontre pour parler.
On l'appelle quoi?
L'orange et le citron, on va s'exprimer.
Qui commencera?
CTI, WARNING, FINAL
J'ai tu une?
On s'amuse on fait le tcha.
Qui gagnera cette fois?
Tu l'attends toujours, "Ça va?"
Mais répondras-tu?
N'oublions jamais Marie!
On l'appelle tu se soir?
Il nous envoie une autre de la prairie
De l'Alberta je pense?
Katimavik, notre contrat
Katimahouse, notre toit
Katimavan, nos roues
Halifax, London
Faut déménager encore?
Bring it on!
Peut-on apporté notre AP?
Emily Beattie, 2006-2007
Baie-Saint-Paul (QC), Halifax (NE), London (ON)
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Trick or Treat... and a Large Donation to the Local Alliston Food
Bank
This year, on Halloween night in Alliston, candy was not the only thing being collected. The Katimavik house in Alliston,
comprised of eleven individuals doing volunteer work in the community, has made sure of that. These young individuals
originating from various places across Canada participated in a Canada-wide program called “Trick or Eat”, in which they
visited many of Alliston’s homes to collect non-perishable food items to the Good Shepherd Food Bank in town. A huge
thank you is owed to the residents that contributed their food items to this campaign as their generosity was
overwhelming. The total pounds of food that was donated to the food bank was 583. If you would like to learn more
about “Trick or Eat” and other youth-driven food campaigns, you can visit the website www.mealexchange.com
Amanda Kathleen Humphries, 2006-2007
Alliston (ON), Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (QC), and Burnaby (BC)
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Katimavik and our crazy household experiences
“So we have been here for seven days,” says Maggie, looking down at her watch. “It feels like we have been here for a
week!” Don’t worry; she exclaimed that in joy, not in anticipation to go home.
Katimavik, so far, has been memorable. Even if we were to leave tomorrow, the stuff that has happened in this crazy
house will stick in our heads long after so much else leaves. Our house consists of myself, from the west coast (British
Colombia if it is unclear, and my name is Derek too), Katie from New Brunswick, Maggie, Mina and Steph from Ontario,
Cina from Alberta, Josh from Newfoundland, Rebecca and Marc-Antoine from Quebec, and Donna from Manitoba.
We all came together here to form a lively group - at times a loud group, and at times a very random group too.
Everything we have encountered has been quite engaging for our easily distracted minds. Everything has been
interesting and our schedule has been crammed full of stuff that we have most likely never done before.
We came back, only a few days ago, from Mass Orientation in Echo Valley Provincial Park. It was beautiful there, and we
met people from all of the other houses in the cluster. That place, for me and possibly every one else in the house, may
have been our favorite experience yet. The strangest experience, however, was most likely my doing when I
accidentally made icing with sugar (note, there was no word icing in front of that sugar) for the brownies at Mass-O
(Mass orientation for those not sharing our Katimavik lingo.). I believe I may dub them “sand brownies.” That is what
Mike, from Redvers said: “I can’t stop eating these, but they taste like someone dropped them down in sand” (Note that
might not be a direct or exact quote.).
So for now there isn’t much else, other than we were just given our placements, but trust me, the stories from those
experiences are just coming in, you’ll have to wait just a little longer as we compile all the data… trust me, the next
story will be much longer.
Derek Knight, 2006-2007
Moose Jaw (SK), Collingwood (ON), Vallée du Richelieu (QC)
Excited or uncertain…
Diving head first into the unknown; this is what we did on September 20th. All of us were embarking on an amazing
adventure, not knowing what the future would hold. Doubt, anxiety and excitement raced through our minds. Sitting in
the airport, we all yearned to head off on our journey, yet our bodies were shaking in the wake of an ever-present
sense of fear. We had to give painful goodbyes to our friends, family and lifestyle, which would all become a part of our
past, yet remain in our hearts. For the better part of a year, this warm feeling of peace and security that we were
getting from the people around us would be broken. Indeed, we had to boldly go towards an uncertain future. Delving
at such a young age into a nine-month experience where respect, teamwork and compromise are a constant theme can
be intimidating to some; indeed, any traces of a self-centered, egotistical lifestyle had to be left at the door. The old “all
for one, one for all” adage had to be applied as a matter of course, and not merely suggested or encouraged. Needless
to say, this was a radical change for all of us. However, in my heart I believe that this is for the best and I say it loud
and clear.
As soon as we met each other at the airport, we recognized and supported each other. Proudly bearing the Katimavik
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logo, we understood one another perfectly and a strong friendship soon developed, which has steadily grown ever since.
This is the very essence of Katimavik: discovery, learning and friendship. We couldn’t successfully go through this
experience alone. To feel that we are helped, supported and understood is so important at this stage that our fellow
participants are the key in ensuring that we can face the uncertain. From that point on, the word “individual” no longer
exists, but “team spirit” is on everybody’s lips; a Katimavik concept that will hopefully be reflected within society at
large!
Simon Boisclair, 2006-07
St-Norbert (MB), Lévis (QC), et Tatamagouche (NS)
Key recipe for an energetic Katimavik team!
Ingredients:
11 Participants
1 Project leader
1 Katima-house
1 Katima-van
5 Katima-committees
A pinch of open-mindedness
Lots of ice cream
Preparation:
Mix the 11 participants and project leader in the Katima-house, stir well and add a pinch of open-mindedness, until 5
Katima-committees form. Add a Katima-van for travel, as needed. Finally, use the magic ingredient, ice cream, for
enhanced communication and friendship, and you’ll obtain an energetic team.
A football game unlike any other…
The Saskatoon group
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BC magic
Some current news in our community is that we were a part of an annual event Port Alberni and surrounding areas
come to enjoy. Port Alberni citizens have organized the Millwarts School of Magic and we were involved in it this year.
The event called on part of our group to organize and teach an astronomy class to Harry Potter fans! The rest of our
group members were “Wandering Wizards”. They asked trivia questions about Harry Potter. This fun activity consisted
of working both Saturday and Sunday. We had a great time getting involved with the community.
Strangest Katimavik Story
In our house, we agree on mostly everything - except for one big, fat and fluffy friend. This fluffy friend of ours carries
sentimental value for all of us. This fluffy friend has been broken and repaired time and time again. It gives us
entertainment for the good of the group. Our fluffy friend gets its fresh air daily. Certain people fight over whose friend
it is. Our friend has been punched, thrown down stairs, beat up, sat on and many other things you can’t imagine. Its
crazy how much can revolve around a huge, lovable stuffed dog. Our dog is also known as “My friend” and “Mon ami le
chien”. He has definitely made our Katimavik experience one of a kind.
Greatest Challenges and Struggles
An interesting challenge we came across as soon as we arrived was the language barrier. There are six participants in
our group who speak only English and very little French. The other four participants speak mainly French and their
second language is English. Of those four participants, there is one Francophone and we have difficulty translating
everything we say to him. The English-speaking people are slowly learning how to speak in French. We can have so
much fun in our group and the language barrier isn’t a problem for us. Katimavik challenges participants to learn their
second language and it’s such an interactive way to get to know one another. As a group we are having a great time, no
matter our mother tongue.
The Port Alberni group, 2006-2007
Port Alberni (BC), Welland (ON), and Bas-Caraquet (NB)
Mass Orientation 2006 Group Photo
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Back Row (left to right): Dominik Blais, New West; Katherine Lepage, Burnaby; Raphael Simard, Vancouver; Benjamin
Turcotte, New West; Laurence Ferland, Vancouver; Jordan Yale, Burnaby; Etienne Joly-Lopez, New West; Drew
Harrison, Burnaby; James Revett, Vancouver; Monica Fuller, Burnaby; Brandi Galacz, New West; Kahlan Coates, New
West; Michael O’Neill, Vancouver; Justin Harris, Burnaby; Jade Hayes, Vancouver; Peter Chestnut, Burnaby; Julian
Leslie, New West.
Second Row (left to right): David Raymond, Vancouver; Amanda Brown, Burnaby; Monica Balazs, Vancouver; Ashley
Morrison, Burnaby; Melissa Doan, Vancouver; Ashley Enman, New West; Jennifer Selvig, New West; Nicole Bond,
Vancouver, Emmy Tompkins, Burnaby; Audree Gourde, Vancouver; Brandon Armstrong, Burnaby; Felisha Nauffts, New
West; Veronique Juneau, New West; Keri Tomlinson, Burnaby; Alaina Spencer, New West; Alisha Colbourne, Vancouver.
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Voluntary simplicity and simple abundance
We live in a complex society that urges us to be more productive and use many of the products that regularly flood the
market. ‘More and novel is better’ has become the mantra of success and modern life. The problem is that the more we
consume/accumulate, the more we need the means to finance our extravagances at the expense of other important
factors in our lives and the more stressed we become. Voluntary simplicity is a growing movement of people who
realised that happiness and fulfillment are found in a simple life that is non-excessive, uncluttered and healthy. In what
follows, we will briefly review the notion of voluntary simplicity and why it is an important topic for us to consider.
What is voluntary simplicity?
Duane Elgin, author of Voluntary Simplicity, describes it as “a manner of living that is outwardly simple and inwardly
rich”. It involves a deliberate choice of a purposeful lifestyle that helps us eliminate excess and clutter in our life, reduce
our pace and set our priorities in accordance with our values and goals to attain a high quality life. It does not mean
depriving ourselves, buying cheap or second hand, living in poverty or downscaling per se, if we do not want to. The
practice of voluntary simplicity also differs from individual to individual depending on characteristics, culture, location,
etc. Therefore, to some people, it is a life philosophy or a religious practice and to others, an activist movement aiming
to bring about change throughout society to protect the environment.
Values and benefits from voluntary simplicity
Generally speaking, simple living frees up time, space, resources and energy (otherwise used to accumulate and
maintain excess), that can be allocated to improve different aspects of our life at the physical, emotional, intellectual
and spiritual levels. The following are some of the values and benefits of voluntary simplicity:
Chosen simplified life of purpose: forces the reduction of excess consumption/clutter, and encourages life with integrity,
authenticity, harmony, balance, meaningful work and aesthetic beauty in one’s environment.
Self-determination: allows quality time with loved ones, joyful leisure activities, a comfortable relationship with money,
reduced spending, more satisfaction in learning to do things for oneself and greater control over one’s life.
Ecological awareness: helps to recognize interdependence, raise environmental awareness and the use appropriate
technology. This results in less pollution, congestion and resource waste (e.g. electricity).
Connection to community and not necessarily to formal organizations: More time is also made available for volunteering
in the community and other activities such as enjoying the environment. This strengthens bonds, increases cultural
richness and encourages social harmony and stronger communities (less crime, flowering of local culture, etc.).
Practices that foster personal growth: Helps develop interpersonal potentials, spirituality, exploring, learning, expressing
creatively and healthy living practices such as exercise, adequate sleep and proper diet.
Voluntary simplicity and stress management
It seems that there is a limit to the amount of excess that a person may have and yet remain healthy, whether
psychologically or otherwise. We know that life is more stressful when it is cluttered. Voluntary simplicity reduces our
stress due to our ability to control our resources and time, well-being resulting from a holistic approach to personal
health, reduced worry over possessions, increased financial security and the strong problem-solving techniques we
acquire in the process. Simplicity also gives us a certain kind of order, harmony, freedom, clearness of vision and joy
that helps us recognize and appreciate the simple abundance in our life. This further strengthens our tolerance to stress.
Impact on the market
Voluntary simplicity, as a way of life, has now become a growing social movement that may herald fundamental and
widespread changes in consumer preferences. Simple livers share a “reduce, reuse, recycle” credo that is often at odds
with corporate goals of increasing sales and profits. They also have a declining marginal satisfaction to increasing levels
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of consumption and they follow a rational moral (unlike economic) behaviour that translates into lower consumption.
Therefore, continuing growth in the number of adherents to voluntary simplicity, as it has become in affluent societies
since the 1970s, could dramatically affect marketing practices in the long run.
Where to start?
Voluntary simplicity requires the desire to identify areas in our life that need simplification and the willingness to reduce
the unnecessary. Here are some areas where we can start simplifying.
*
*
*
*
De-cluttering our living environment (to have space between the things we like and often use).
Trying to cook meals from scratch (easier with larger quantity cooking and deep-freezing).
Riding public transit at times, volunteering and inviting friends over instead of renting a movie alone.
Buying products with least packaging and in bulk (less garbage and more money), reusing and recycling.
The overall aim is to gain control of our lives. Areas of voluntary simplicity that require attention are effective space and
time management, balance between mind/body/spirit and family/work/leisure.
Voluntary simplicity has been advocated and practiced for centuries. Even though property has always been believed to
give power and dominance, those who had the most power and influence on others like Buddha, Jesus, Lao Tse,
Socrates, St. Francis, Confucius, Gandhi, many scientists and artists all led voluntarily simple lives. Probably, “in order
to seek one’s own direction, one must simplify the mechanics of ordinary, everyday life” as Plato stated many years
ago. Voluntary simplicity is about preventing excess consumption from stealing our time, space, resources and energy,
strengthening relationships, maximizing meaning, fulfillment and joy, and minimizing stress, competition and isolation.
In living simply, we choose to shift our attention and efforts towards a more holistic, balanced, integrated and
appropriate pattern of living by removing details that are irrelevant to our purpose that is a quality life, unique to each
one of us. Therefore, even if voluntary simplicity looks like a foible for saints and geniuses, it is important for us as
well.
Edji Seyoum, 1996-2006
Transportation Department Officer
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Earla (Cassels) Legault, 1978-1979
"An E-magi from Katimavik, how cool. Thanks for sending it along. I thought I'd send three photos and why they are
special ones to me.
First is the final group shot, from year 2 in 78-79. These three groups' rotations were: Hearst, Ontario; Annapolis Royal,
Nova Scotia and Seebe, Alberta. I was fortunate to go to the 25th reunion in Ottawa, and see some of my group there;
what a wonderful alumni weekend that was!
Second photo is from a BC reunion I attended a few years ago. There I met a great lady also from year two, Regina.
The alumni who came together for a great evening had the very good fortune of meeting "our Jacques". It was an
honour and I gushed like a groupie. Jacques will always be a hero to me, for helping create this program that has
changed so many lives.
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MEETING PLACE
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Third photograph is of my son Andre and I when my husband Michel and I went to visit him at his third rotation - St.
Norbert Manitoba.
Two weeks from now, our son will officially become a Katimavik alumni, like his dear ol' mom. I hope Andre will be able
to say he had as much fun as I did on my journey with Katimavik."
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Susan Beals (Mandeville), 1983-1984
"My name is Susan Mandeville but was known as Susan Beals when I participated in this great program. I kept applying
for 2 years and I am very happy I didn't give up. We met lots of other participants in each place we went and took some
in that had finished but still trying to find their way for a short stay.
This was fall 1983. We were doing a photography learning session in the park. This was our second
place. The first was Grand Forks BC from June to August and Sept to November was St. Boniface
and we then went to Caribou Lake outside of Goose Bay Labrador from December to February 1984.
Katimavik was the best thing I did as a teenager and would recommend it to anyone. It's not easy
but I learned a lot about myself and how others live. I have lost contact with most of my group and
have no idea how to contact them but I still keep in contact with a few, and one in particular has
been one of my best friends even though we live so far away. I now have teenagers and would
support them if they wanted to do this as well."
Sylvie Rochefort, 1984-1985
"Bonjour, je recherche mes anciens compagnons qui étaient avec moi dans Katimavik, durant la période de Mai 1984 à
février 1985... Nous avons séjourné à Red Lake (Ontario), Village de Claire (Nouveau-Brunswick) et pour terminer
Dauphin (Manitoba). J’avais 21 ans à cette époque et maintenant je suis rendu à 44 ans ... Ce fut une expérience très
enrichissante. Je demeure à Donnacona (Québec). Il y a plusieurs groupes qui passent dans mon coin. Je m’appelle
Sylvie Rochefort et mon e-mail est [email protected]. Si vous pourriez mettre mon annonce pour m’aider à
trouver les personnes qui mònt accompagné lors de cette magnifique expérience ce serait très apprécié. Cela fait déjà
20 ans et l’ordinateur nèxistait pas dans ce temps là et tout ce que jàvais étaient des adresses à leur demeure. Nous
avons correspondu ensemble, mais avec le temps les lettres ne se sont pas rendues. Merci beaucoup de votre aide. Et
au plaisir de vous revoir!!!"
Jayne Ball (Tilley), 1984-1985
"I received the last Katimavik newsletter and was reading some of the stories. I laughed out loud when Jonathan Wells
said $3.00 a day! How will I survive? When we did our rotation it was only $1.00 a day. How times have changed…
Katimavik has certainly changed my life. I come from a small town (Kelligrews, Newfoundland). My rotations were
Buckingham (Quebec), Hythe (Alberta) and London (Ontario). I returned to Newfoundland after my 9 months away and
couldn't wait to move on. I moved to London Ontario and have been working with an insurance company for 20 years
now. I've made my home and had my family here. I also became a big sister and have been associated with the big
Brother and Big Sister London Chapter for 20 years now. Love it. Thanks Katimavik for helping me find my way!"
Stéphane Luce, 1985-1986
26 juin 1985
"Ma première rotation était a Field Colombie-Britannique, c'était mon premier voyage au loin, premier avion, première
fois seul, je parlais très peu anglais. À Dorval, j'ai fais la connaissance de Guylaine, Denis et Lucie.
Denis était tellement drôle, tout ce qu'il me disait me faisait rire. La façon de dire les choses me faisait rire. Assis à bord
d'un Boeing, fumant ma cigarette dans la section fumeur de l'avion, je quittais Longueuil pour les Rocheuses, je n'avais
aucune idée a quoi m'attendre, pas d'internet dans ce temps là. On a atterri à Calgary vers 20h30, c'était difficile de
voir quoi que ce soit... J'étais seul dans ma rangée de siège, en plus de ça j'ai perdu mon chum Denis à l'aéroport de
Toronto. Il a manqué l'escale ; il s'est perdu...
Une fois à Calgary, le groupe s'est retrouvé, nous arrivions tous de différentes régions. Notre group leader Louise (où es
tu Louise?!) nous a conduits jusqu'à Field, un autre deux heures de routes à faire. On est arrivé à Field à 1 heure du
matin. En sortant de la Katimavik van, on ne voyait rien du tout, tout était noir, quelques petites lumières dans le
village mais rien de plus.
On est allé dans nos chambres, il n'y avait que des matelas, rien d'autre, on s'est tous couché en arrivant. Quelques
jours plus tard on a fabriqué nos lits superposés…
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MEETING PLACE
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LE LENDEMAIN MATIN! Je me suis réveillé et sur le coup je me demandais ou j'étais, une fois que j'ai catché que j'étais
a l'autre bout du pays, je me suis levé et je suis allé immédiatement a la fenêtre, j'étais au sous sol! Quelle vue
incroyable, je m'en souviendrai toujours. Je ne voyais que des arbres et j'ai dû me tordre le cou dans cette fenêtre pour
voir le haut des montagnes! C'était délirant. À ce moment, je ne voulais même pas penser au jour où je devrais partir
de là... Les autres participants du groupe étaient tous en haut en train de déjeuner... C'était un peu gênant de monter
les saluer. Je savais que la plupart étaient anglais et ça m'intimidait un peu.
Une fois en haut, on avait tout un snack qui avait été préparé par Louise notre group leader! Pain maison, fruits, le
fameux granola, c'étai toutes sorte de graines, mélanger ensemble, on mangeait ca avec du lait, c'était bon... J'étais
content de voir que je n'étais pas le seul participant à être né d'une mère caféinomane et d'un père colateur comme
dirait Pérusse ;) À partir de là, je savais que je passerais du bon temps, du café en masse et le groupe semblait être un
bon groupe. Et c'était un bon groupe...
Nous avons travaillé à tour de rôle pour Yoho National Park. Un membre a fait une garderie à la légion, on a amélioré
les parcs du village, on a fait du paysagement, planté des arbres etc. Ce que je retient le plus de mon travail à Field, ce
sont les fois où j'ai travaillé avec les hélicoptères en plein milieu des bois, et qu'au retour le soir, on a eu droit à un vol
en hélicoptère Lynda et moi, et ce vol en hélicoptère fut de Field jusqu'à Banff, une bonne heure de voiture et un bon 20
minutes en hélicoptère en plein dans le cœur des Rocheuses. What a life I was living. Une fois à Banff, les employés du
parc nous ont payé la traite au restaurant Grecque avant de nous ramener en voiture à Field. Ça a fait des jaloux dans
le groupe believe me, mais ces jaloux étaient très contents pour Lynda et moi.
4 septembre 1985
Moins de trois mois passent, nous prenons le train pour Calgary et, de là, l'avion pour Toronto. On est allé rester au 122
Isabella street entre Sherbourne et Younge street. Pas de farce, les prostituées se promenaient devant la maison. À un
moment donné, il y a même eu des coups de feu dans la nuit, et des cris de femmes qui avaient peur. C'était assez
spécial. En regardant par la fenêtre, j'ai trouvé que ça ressemblait à deux pimps pour la même prostituée! Je parlais
anglais, je comprenais ce qu'ils se disaient. Je me souviens d'avoir eu ce moment de réflexion. Je suis à Toronto, et je
comprends les gens autour de moi. Katimavik m'avais fait un beau cadeau. C'est vrai que je me suis aidé, mais c'est
évident que sans Katimavik, je dirais peut être juste Yes pis No hahaha
Mon travail à Toronto était d’entrainer des adultes handicapés intellectuellement à voyager entre leur lieu de travail et
leur domicile, dans un centre au nom de MTAMR (Metropolitan Toronto Association for the Mentally Retarded). Drôle de
nom hein? On utilise plus mentally retarded maintenant... D'autres participants travaillaient dans d'autres centres du
même genre et d'autres dans un parc pour le remettre en vie. J'aimais bien prendre le métro de Toronto de Sherbourne
à Birch station... Une fois, je me suis endormi dedans pour me rendre au bout de la ligne! J'avais le titre de travel
trainer, j'ai entrainé deux handicapés intellectuels à se promener en métro et en autobus, un vrai challenge réussi a
100%. Ces deux patients ont continué à voyager seul après mon départ. Je suis allé vérifier moi-même en août 86
après le programme pour m'en assurer!
4 décembre 1985
Trois mois plus tard, on reprend l'avion de Toronto à Montréal, pour se rendre à Ste-Scholastique, tout près de Mirabel.
Je trouvais ça plate de revenir au Québec, j'aurais aimé mieux aller au Nouveau-Brunswick, mais bon...
La maison était super cool, c'était une vieille grande maison, voisine de la caisse populaire. Plusieurs participants
travaillaient pour un parc, l'érablière ou quelque chose comme ça. Moi, je travaillais à la chambre de commerce de
Mirabel, au centre-village de St-Scholastique, en biais du bar chez Longtin, que j'ai justement revu aux nouvelles
dernièrement quand il parlait des expropriés de Mirabel. J'allais jouer au pool sur l'heure du diner et après le travail...
J'y passais mon 7$ par semaine. J'ai aussi travaillé à l'aéroport de Mirabel, aux renseignements touristiques. Mes
premiers passagers qui me demandaient des directions ont été dirigés, mais je n'ai jamais su s'ils avaient été dans la
bonne direction hahaha. Je me souviens d'avoir dû répondre aux questions d'un groupe de 30 polonais qui cherchaient
leur autobus. Personne ne parlait ni français ni anglais, mais tous le Polonais. Croyez-le ou non, j'ai réussi à les diriger
vers l'autobus. En leur demandant de me suivre, on a marché d'un bout à l'autre de l'aéroport. Ils m'ont tous suivi. Ces
gens comptaient sur moi dans ce pays étranger qu'était le Canada pour eux. Je me suis senti « adulte, utile et fier ». Je
reconnaissais que Katimavik m'avait donné beaucoup. J'étais conscient que j'avais vécu des choses que bien des gens
de mon âge n'avaient jamais vécu.
À la fin, j'étais tiraillé par la hâte de retrouver mes amis, ma famille, mais aussi par le fait de me séparer de mes amis,
ma nouvelle famille.
Le 25 mars 1986, à 23h59, mes Adieux et au revoir étaient dits, j'attendais le coup de minuit pour partir. Justement, un
ami était venu me chercher, lui avait eu son permis de conduire entre temps... Pas moi ;)"
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Caroline Morin, 1996-1997
Group reunion (1996-1997)
"Hi everyone, my name is Caroline Morin and I’m looking for Carl, Ryan, Bosco, Laurel and Erin who did the program in
August 1996 for a possible group reunion. Ten years have passed by since we adventured on this magnificent journey
that led us to Goose Bay, Labrador, St-Mary’s, Ontario and Mont-Joli, Quebec. Me and some other participants are
organising a weekend filled with activities, fun and memories. So we would like everyone to be a part of it. As of now,
the reunion will be held in Ottawa in April 2007 (I’ll confirm all the details in my next article.) So, if you recognize
yourself, you can write to me at [email protected]. I’ll be happy to hear from you. Hope you all can join us at the
reunion."
Wendy Harris, 1996-1998
<<<< Click on image!
Bruno Arpin, 1998-1999 et 2000 (Programme LeaderPlus)
"Quand le "timing" fait bien les choses...
Par un élan de nostalgie, et peut-être le goût de retrouver l'esprit de Katimavik le temps d'un travail d'été, je parcourais
le site de notre cher programme.
2007-01-22
MEETING PLACE
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Je découvris Katimavik le 18 novembre 1998. Une gang de jeunes se rassemblait sur les trottoirs de la station terminale
d'autobus Berri. La fébrilité se mêlait à une certaine insécurité de ne savoir ce dans quoi nous allions tremper pour les
prochains 8 mois 10 jours (durée du programme en ces années). Une trentaine de jeunes ... "Es-tu dans mon
groupe ?!?"
Le reste ne fut que surprise après surprise, amitié par dessus amitié. Vous connaissez la suite et c'est cela qui nous
reste très profondément en nous, même 7-8 ans plus tard. Peut-être aussi du fait que quelques années plus tard après
ma participation à 21 ans, je devenais plus tôt que je l'aurais imaginé agent de projet dans les maritimes. Une
expérience tout aussi intense, quoique différente. L'autre côté de la clôture s'avère plus lourd de responsabilités.
Cependant, quel sentiment de pouvoir contribuer à l'épanouissement des participants!
Cela dit, je vous avoue ma surprise mais surtout ma joie de retrouver un de mes groupes sur le site de Katimavik.
C'était leur 3e rotation en Nouvelle-Écosse! Sur un bateau de pêcheur de palourdes! :-) Vous savez, je les ai tant
aimées!
En plus que je venais de découvrir qu'il y avait un projet à Stonewall, le lieu d'origine et de résidence de ma bonne amie
dans mon groupe de 1998... Je venais de lui écrire un courriel pour lui dire...J'en profitai pour prendre des nouvelles du
groupe de participants de 2001. Que sont-ils devenus !?!? En fait, j'ai eu des nouvelles de presque tous d'entre eux. Pas
plus tard qu'hier, une d'elle venait me parler sur MSN pour m'annoncer qu'elle avait l'intention de devenir PL (project
leader). Comme quoi la relève est là! D'ailleurs, si vous regarder la photo sur le site, vous y verrez Dominique,
maintenant lui-même agent de projet à Chicoutimi depuis quelques mois déjà!
Katimavik c'est une famille. C'est pour ça qu'on s'y attache tellement.
Alors voilà. Comment n'aurais-je pu vous partager tout cela, alors qu'à peine après avoir vécu tout ce que je viens de
vous raconter (la photo, Stonewall et les 2 courriels), je reçois un courriel du Club des anciens m'invitant à partager aux
autres mes histoires Katimavikiennes! Longue vie.
Amitié."
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Marie-Claude Blass, 2004-2005
"Me voici aujourd'hui sous le soleil de Calgary en train de me rappeler ce que Katimavik m'a apporté. Tant de chose se
sont passées depuis le premier juin 2005… Je vais plutôt me concentrer sur l'essentiel!
Depuis presqu'un an maintenant, chaque moment de ma vie fait référence à mon passage dans Katimavik. Chaque
décision que je prends me fait remarquer à quel point une expérience de la sorte ne peut être que bénéfique pour ceux
qui ont la chance d'y participer. Je m'explique....
Lorsqu’un jour, on décide de faire la rencontre avec la personne la plus importante dans notre vie, qui n’est nul autre
que nous-mêmes, on réalise qu'il n'est plus question de limites. Maintenant que je me connais, je sais que je me peux
pousser au plus au point et je dirais même à l'infini... Depuis la fin du programme, j'ai réalisé tellement de choses que
je n'aurais jamais imaginé réaliser! Lorsque j'ai terminé mon secondaire en 2001, j'avais fait la demande au Cégep de
Jonquière pour étudier en communication et dans les médias.... Le rapport vous allez dire? Et bien, à l'époque, j'avais
été refusée, faute de notes satisfaisantes. Aujourd'hui, après cinq ans et Katimavik derrière moi, j'ai refait la demande
avec les mêmes notes (puisque je ne suis pas retournée à l'école depuis)… et j'ai été acceptée! Pourquoi vous allez me
demander? Parce qu'aujourd’hui, je crois en moi et je sais que, si je veux quelque chose, je vais tous faire pour l'avoir!
Je ne vais pas aller à l'école juste parce qu'il faut que j'y aille, mais parce que j'ai envie d'y aller et que je sais que je
vais y arriver! Le cégep l’a compris lorsque j'ai inclus avec ma demande une lettre de motivation et j’ai eu une chance
de participer à l'examen d'évaluation... et j'ai très bien réussi!
Plusieurs personnes de mon entourage n'étaient pas d’accord avec ma décision de partir pour Katimavik parce qu'ils se
demandaient à quoi tout ça allait me servir, puisque ça ne menait à aucun métier spécifique... Pas besoin de vous dire
comment aujourd'hui ils comprennent ma démarche… et ils se demandent pourquoi ils n'ont tout simplement pas pensé
à ça pour leur propre cheminement!
Je ne juge aucun chemin de vie, chacun trouve sa voie et je respecte leur choix... j'ai fait mes choix et ce que Katimavik
m'a apporté dans tout ça? La connaissance de ce qui me rend heureuse dans la vie, mes capacités intellectuelles et
pratiques, la certitude que si la vie est difficile on peut toujours arriver avec un bon résultat satisfaisant avec une
attitude positive...
Au début je vous disais que j'étais sous le soleil de Calgary... Pourquoi ça? Parce que Katimavik m'a aussi ouvert les
yeux sur la découverte de mon pays et aussi des autres... Je sais que chacune des décisions que je vais prendre
maintenant va être un merveilleux voyage d'expériences!
Pour ma part, Katimavik a été le premier grand voyage que j’ai décidé de faire.... et ce n'est qu'un début puisque je
n’en retire que du positif!
Merci à ceux qui m'ont permis d'y participer..."
Jade Ouellet, 2005-2006
"Cher Katima-anciens et anciennes,
Katimavik a été la plus grande expérience de ma vie. J'ai pu apprendre l'anglais, ma langue seconde, à connaître des
gens chaleureux (d’ailleurs qui m’ont aidé à avoir plus confiance en moi pour l’expérience de travail) à travers le
Canada, voyager et vivre en groupe pendant 9 mois. J’ai entendu parlé de Katimavik dans l’année 2004-05, il y avait
des participants de Katimavik qui travaillait à l’école pour adulte où j’allais, j’ai parlé avec eux et j’ai pu aller sur le site
de Katimavik pour voir ce que c’était puis, je me suis finalement inscrit au mois de mars 2005 et j’ai sue que j’étais
choisie pour le programme à la fin de juin de la même année. J’étais assez contente que je veuille savoir ce qui pourrait
bien m’attendre dans les 9 mois entre le 5 octobre 2005 et le 5 juillet 2006.
Le temps passa et il a venu le temps pour moi de prendre l’avion pour Drayton Valley en Alberta le 5 octobre 2005 où je
travaillai dans un centre touristique. Dans le temps des fêtes (du 22 au 26 décembre 2005), j’ai été faire du bénévolat
pour un camp de vacances pour les personnes handicapées de tous les âges entre 20 et 99 ans à Bragg Creek. Puis, le
11 janvier 06, je déménageai à Orangeville en Ontario où je passai mes trois mois dans un centre d’éducation
extérieure. Puis, j’ai déménagé pour la dernière fois le 5 avril à Chéticamp en Nouvelle-Écosse. J’ai pu travailler dans la
seule école francophone de la région. La vue sur le golfe du St Laurent était magnifique aussi de la superbe vue que
nous avions sur les montagnes du parc national des hautes terres du Cap Breton.
Merci beaucoup et à la prochaine!!"
2007-01-22
MEETING PLACE
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Lindsay Materi, 2005-2006
"Katimavik....What a change....
So...here’s the story of me...and my Katimavik experience...
It all started as a big distraction, the booth at a career fair was a good way to waste a couple of minutes until my
friends found me again. Then I read the pamphlet, and was hooked. In what other way can you meet a group of new
people...travel the country...and... have the adventure of a lifetime?
So I started the program with an open mind, a packed suitcase, and a stomach full of butterflies. Ready, but scared to
embark on the biggest journey of my life. I left hoping to gain some knowledge, some new friends, some new
experiences and came home as a whole new person.
Who knew that there was a program out there that could take a small town prairie girl like me, and turn her into
something so much more? This program, along with an amazing group gave me the chance, nay the ability to be who
and what I truly am. I never realized until I met my group that there were people in the world without prejudices,
without judgments, without the social standards of the world to taint them. Now maybe I’m a little bias, but that is what
makes the perfect Katimavik group.
So my perfect group and I spent our time in Woodstock (ON), Lamèque (NB), and Merritt (BC), where for nine months I
got to know some of Canada's finest youth (again...I’m biased). While living with these people I got to know a lot about
them, about myself and about society in general. Many issues were brought up in our Katimavik house, for instance why
is it socially acceptable for women to wear fancy underwear, but not so much for men?? A very wise man brought this
issue to our attention while we were casually having a conversation about lace and satin. This is when it first hit me. I
am in a place that I never thought I would be, and with people who I never knew I would meet, talking about
something as intimate as my underpants, and I am comfortable with that.
Never before in my life would I have been part of this conversation. I, like most nineteen year old girls have spent my
entire life trying to be one of the cool kids, wearing the clothes, make-up and perfume all to be accepted into the social
norm in which these trend setting young adults rule. And overnight I was accepted into a group of people who liked me
for who I was. I, for once in my life was not the shoe throwing young rebel from grade six, or the girl that kissed Mr.
Backman (my teacher, long story) in grade three. I was Linds, not Lindsay, not Materi, but Linds. I had a nickname, and
the fact that someone took the time to individualize my name that way meant something to this small town, simple girl.
My experience went on, and without me even realizing, it had changed me I’m no longer that small town girl, striving to
be popular. I now see what life is, there is not one thing that we as people can strive for, even if you become that
popular girl, what then?? Will you then be content and no longer strive?? I’ve learnt that happiness is only reached
when a person is accepted, loved and taken care of, because really isn’t that what we are all looking for??
Katimavik gave me a taste of that, and I will never go back to living life without that in mind... I will never again hide
who I truly am, just to be accepted, because I know that no matter where I am in my life, or in the world I will always
have a group of people who love me for who I am, and I would like to thank them for giving me the best time of my life.
Katimavik was a life changing experience, and I’m one hundred percent glad I took those few minutes to read that
orange and green brochure, which became my handbook to life for the next nine months."
Rachael Sulz, 2005-2006
"I made up this song for one of my Rotation Camps:
PLEASE MRS. PC! (To the tune of "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid)
I want to be where the PL's are
I can’t live this way any longer
Excursions and filling out protocols is simply too hard!
In the Katimavik van you don’t get too far
Our first town had just one red necked bar
On our days off we just lay around and played the guitar,
We're the Katimavik Team
Living the Dream
Drinking out of glass jars, pass the pulse makes me scream!
Please Mrs PC
Listen To me!
I need a raise.
What would I give if I could live on 4 dollars a day!
What would I pay, to spend the day with matching sheets?
But we’re all poor, and we need more than just
ONE shower a week!
A Mass-O workshop, I felt like I'd drop!
I should be paid more.
And what’s the deal with these house meetings?
We ask each other questions but don’t find the answers
Like where is the vacuum and why, why don’t the girls SHAVE???
I'm going mad!
The dinner tastes bad!
Don’t be too loud the guys will get mad!
Please Mrs. PC
Listen to me!
I need a raise."
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This is a submissions call-out for our next Meeting Place!
2007-01-22
MEETING PLACE
Page 19 sur 23
Dear Katimavik alumni and staff,
Send your writing and any photos or illustrations to [email protected].
What are we looking for? It’s easy. You write your stories, the recipes to your latest adventure, your thoughts on
Katimavik, your questions and your announcements -- and remember that you are writing for almost thirty years of
alumni readers!
Here are some ideas that get us hooked every time:
z Update us with Katimavik news in your communities.
z Tell us about your Katimavik. What is your strangest Katimavik story, your best memory, or the experience that made your time in
Katimavik one of a kind?
z Tell us about yourself. We continue to inspire each other and we love to hear where our paths have taken us since the program.
Have you travelled? Are you parents of your own 17-21 year olds? Has Katimavik played an important role in your work projects
or profession?
z Show us alumni in action. Are you still involved somehow with the program? Tell us how and what you get out of it.
z Challenge us with new ideas and interesting lifestyles. Are you an innovator, an inventor, someone who thinks critically about the
world around them, or do you have suggestions for other great learning experiences for people of all walks of life? How does
Katimavik play a role in your everyday life today?
z Challenge the program. What were some of your greatest challenges and struggles with/in the program? Do you feel like you or
your group struggled with your experience because of race, physical dis/ability, economic background, faith, age, tribe, culture,
gender, sexuality, mental health, lifestyle, philosophy, politics, etc.? Do you have insight or constructive feedback to share with
other alumni?
z Dig through your souvenirs. Share a page from a journal you kept through the program, or a poem you wrote or that killer recipe
that saved your suppers.
Write in your style and your words. We will translate between English and French.
Can’t wait to hear from you.
Please free to contact us in Montreal with any questions or comments at:1-888-525-1503 ext 2603 or [email protected]
Or contact our Communications and Development teams at the different regional offices across Canada.
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Admire the energy of some of our great groups
that completed the program in
2005-2006!
From East to West...
Cornerbrook, NL – group 33028
Chéticamp, NS – group 42035
2007-01-22
MEETING PLACE
Page 20 sur 23
Lamèque, NB – group 51043
Rouyn Noranda, QC – group 43013
Ste Foy, QC – group 51030
Trois-Rivières, QC – group 13030
2007-01-22
MEETING PLACE
Page 21 sur 23
Casselman, ON – group 13029
Welland, ON – group 21030
Fort Albany, ON – group 24029
Neepawa, MA – group 21039
2007-01-22
MEETING PLACE
Page 22 sur 23
Estevan, SK – group 31028
Saskatoon, SK – group 32034
Port Alberni, BC – group 31030
Campbell River, BC – group 31025
2007-01-22
MEETING PLACE
Page 23 sur 23
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The e-zine Meeting Place is published three times a year.
Editor: Cory Legassic
Translation: Jean-François Bradley et Rachel Cameron
Revision: Jean-François Bradley, Cory Legassic et
Geneviève Roy
Click here to unsubscribe.
2007-01-22

Message from your Alumni Office

Transcription

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