My name is Hailey Basil-Grandejambe, and I come from Lutselk’e, a small community of over 300 people nestled on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake. My Dene culture and the stunning scenery of my hometown are a huge part of who I am. Being selected for this program and getting the chance to experience Ottawa and the program feels like a pivotal step into my future. This journey south is my first, and it’s already shaping my perspective in incredible ways!

My time with Northern Youth Abroad has been incredible; I’m deeply grateful for this program and everyone who makes it possible. I feel truly seen and welcomed by the leaders, and I’m connecting with so many amazing new people! Learning about the Inuvialuit culture and sharing these experiences has been an eye-opening experience. Our weekly schedule keeps us engaged and learning constantly, even in just this first week. NYA is designed to guide us toward our educational and career paths, and it’s inspiring me to aim higher and dream bigger than ever before. This program is showing me that I can be more than just a girl from a small community—I can achieve anything I set my mind to! I’m so excited about what’s ahead. Being chosen as a participant from over 200 Northern youth feels like an incredible opportunity. I’m eagerly anticipating the upcoming experiences, workshops, events, and activities this month! This is a truly life-changing journey, and I encourage every young person in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut to apply and discover their potential, too!