Last night the founder of Katimavik passed away. Jacques Hébert was 84 and the creator of a legacy of youth initiatives including Katimavik and Canada World Youth. I met Senator Hébert in 1997 during my staff training for my first contract as Project Leader. His passion and commitment to the program was evident. I remember being amazed at his zest when, at the age of 74, he joined a hackey-sack circle on the lawn of the auberge. Since that time I have had the chance to work with other Katimavik staff who knew him well and to hear him speak in continued support of the program that was so valuable to me. I can only say that he will be missed, not just as the source of Katimavik but as a light that illuminated the necessity for youth development in Canada.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Katima-Loss
I have been involved with Katimavik for most of my early adulthood. In 1995 I joined the program as a participant and lived in Belleville, ON, Acton-Vale, PQ and Hinton, AB. My choice to do the program came after a disasterous first year of university and since that time my life has been intertwined with Katimavik. In 1997 I joined the organization as a Project Leader and worked with 12 different groups of Canadian youth over 3.5 years. And in an interesting twist of fate I came back to Katimavik in 2006, this time as a regional manager. Much of my life has been influenced by Katimavik in one way or another. It has been a secondary home for me in many ways. I have been given a community of contacts around the country from my experiences. And I have come to believe in the importance of government-supported opportunities for youth.
Last night the founder of Katimavik passed away. Jacques Hébert was 84 and the creator of a legacy of youth initiatives including Katimavik and Canada World Youth. I met Senator Hébert in 1997 during my staff training for my first contract as Project Leader. His passion and commitment to the program was evident. I remember being amazed at his zest when, at the age of 74, he joined a hackey-sack circle on the lawn of the auberge. Since that time I have had the chance to work with other Katimavik staff who knew him well and to hear him speak in continued support of the program that was so valuable to me. I can only say that he will be missed, not just as the source of Katimavik but as a light that illuminated the necessity for youth development in Canada.
Last night the founder of Katimavik passed away. Jacques Hébert was 84 and the creator of a legacy of youth initiatives including Katimavik and Canada World Youth. I met Senator Hébert in 1997 during my staff training for my first contract as Project Leader. His passion and commitment to the program was evident. I remember being amazed at his zest when, at the age of 74, he joined a hackey-sack circle on the lawn of the auberge. Since that time I have had the chance to work with other Katimavik staff who knew him well and to hear him speak in continued support of the program that was so valuable to me. I can only say that he will be missed, not just as the source of Katimavik but as a light that illuminated the necessity for youth development in Canada.
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2 comments:
I never met Hebert myself, but when I watched him on television he seemed so cool. I didn't get into the organization like you did. And I can't imagine living with 10 strangers today...god no. But the year I did Katimivak was rewarding, challenging, interesting and fun. It is something I will always remember, and it has given me a wealth of crazy stories. Thanks Mr. Hebert.
Peter L.
That Hackey Sack story reminds me of the time Grandad played soccer with you guys on Ramsey View- Barefoot no less altho Grandma warned him and of course he didn't listen and woound up breaking his baby toe - of course grandma was non- -plussed and none to sympathetic - heh- I bet the grandad and Mr Hebert would have gotten along ;)
Love you and thank you so much for your Yule Card.. and Grandad got his as well :)
Aunty A xoxoxo
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