Hi, my name is Rebecca Black. I’m from Gameti, Northwest Territories. Gameti is located in the North Slave Region, specifically between Great Slave and Great Bear Lakes. 

I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to participate in Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) in 2025. This is my third time being here. I completed the Next program in 2023 and also participated in the Youth In-Service. Over the years, I’ve met past and present participants, whom I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to meet.

This summer, I was placed in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s my first time being here in the city, experiencing new things and stepping out of my comfort zone. I got to explore a little bit while walking to my workplace. So far, it has been great! I’ve travelled to other Provinces before, but never in Nova Scotia.

My host mom, Michelle, has been amazing from the start, when I arrived. She supported me during these past weeks and helped me work on my assignments. She has three cats that are now mine for the summer. Their names are Gracie, Mango and Taro. Taro was a menace from the start. I’m volunteering at Parker Street, the Food and Furniture Bank. Where I learn from staff members and organize the food and bagging items. The people of Parker Street are truly kind and supportive of me while I work there. I didn’t get lost while riding the bus, only once, at the beginning when I started my placement. 

These past few weeks have flown by so quickly that I can barely recall the time I spent here. I’m glad I got to spend this time with my host buddy Cadence Arnatsiaq, who is from Igloolik, Nunavut. We went mini-golfing at Halifax Putting Edge with my host mom’s friend’s daughter, who was very kind to take us. And so far, we’ve gone to Peggy’s Cove, where we met up with other participants, Mitchell and Joey. We also attended a Powwow together with an alumnus and a past participant. And went on a few BBQs. I went Kayaking in a lake. It was fun, but not when I dropped my paddle in the middle of the lake.

We went on a road trip to Prince Edward Island (PEI). Michelle took us to the Sandspit amusement park, where we met up with other participants. I really enjoyed going on the rides and having a great time there! I tried lobster and oysters for the first time at Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Suppers. I gotta say, oysters are not my favourite. 

We recently took another road trip to Cape Breton. I got to see the Atlantic Ocean while hiking on the Skyline Trail, located at the top of a mountain. We also went whale watching, but didn’t really get to see any, but I did see seals. It was an amazing experience to have seen it in real life! Back home, we really don’t have any. 

Cadence and I got to drive the boat for a little bit. It was overwhelming because of the waves, but it was kinda fun! I’d like to go back someday. 

If it weren’t for my mentor, who has been helping me to prepare for this program. I wouldn’t get to experience my summer living on the east coast of Canada. One of the best memories I’ll cherish forever.

Rebecca<3