Hello, my name is Natalie Joss and I am from Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories. There are about 500 people, we are located in the Inuvik Region, and we are situated on Victoria Island. I want to thank my principal for being my mentor and encouraging me to do this program. (shout out Nick!) 

I am a participant for the Canadian Program in Northern Youth Aboard, and my host community is Orleans, Ottawa. It’s been a wonderful experience so far, and it is very beautiful here. During orientation, I made so many new friends, and they’re so amazing. At orientation, the staff had taught us so many things about being in huge cities, being away from family, and experiencing new things. 

This is not my first time across the country, but it is my first time in Ottawa. It is very beautiful here in Ottawa, and very hot. Everything is a wonderful journey, a huge experience, and something I would recommend to anyone. Because you get to make new friends, see new places, and gain a lot of work experience for the future. 

My work placement volunteer hours are being done at Orleans Heritage Spring Living Retirement Home, which was pretty cool. I served the seniors lunch, dinner, coffee, tea, and desserts. Then I am starting to help with more activities with the seniors.

My placement buddy is Rosalie Yukon, and I am so glad we get along so well. When I found out she has four younger brothers and one younger sister, I was like “what the heck”, because I have four younger sisters and one younger brother and we’re the oldest. We also have the best host mom ever, she’s amazing. We have plans for every single day of the week, and it’s just so much fun to do a lot of things with Tessa and Rosalie.