FNU President Mark Dockstator and Katimavik Board Chair Willy Fournier. Photo courtesy of FNU.
The First Nations University of Canada has signed a partnership with Katimavik, an organization that works with Indigenous communities to help Aboriginal youth accelerate their learning and career development.
Renewed federal funding has allowed expansion of the program. All youth can participate, but the goal is to increase Aboriginal youth involvement.
Participants do volunteer work in several selected communities for up to six months, learning about traditional language and culture.
FNU president, Mark Dockstator, says this is a great opportunity for Indigenous youth to continue their higher education, including their traditional culture and language.
The chair of the board for Katimavik, Willy Fournier, says the partnership complements Katimavik’s youth community service and will provide Indigenous youth with a great opportunity.
Katimavik has been around for about 40 years. Over that time, more than 35,000 youth have participated, but only 600 of them were Indigenous.
With restored funding, the agreement will allow partners to work together to provide community service volunteer employment while studying at the First Nations University.