Hi, My name is Anikan and I am from Gjoa Haven, Nunavut. I applied for Northern Youth Abroad in 2023 but was accepted as an alternate, I decided to do all my winter assignments in 2023 and I’m so happy about my decision and now in 2024 I’m a part of the Canadian program with NYA.

I love meeting new people, but I can be very awkward at first but I’ll instantly warm up to people I meet. I am placed in Kentville Nova Scotia, I love the east side of Canada and I’m very happy that I was placed here in Nova Scotia! My work placement is at the Open Secrets Bookstore and Wheelhouse Coffee Shop. My supervisor and my coworkers are amazing, I get to learn from them every time I walk into work which I love so much. Both stores I’m volunteering at are small local businesses and I’m so happy that I get to work here because I get to experience and learn about how it’s like to open and own a business because that’s what I want to do at home in the future which I think we need at home.

Over the past couple weeks my hosts have been really supportive and great, they have been taking me and my buddy Madison to amazing places like the lake, to the neighbour’s house with a farm, the spa, the mall, Cape Breton, the city and so much more. I’m pretty sure my hosts have more things planned which I’m excited about.

I instantly felt welcomed and at home once I arrived at my host family and I’ve never once been homesick since I’ve been here. I’m excited for reorientation to see all the other participants and staff, but I know I’ll miss it here so much. I’ll never regret my decision choosing NYA, I’m very grateful for my mentor, the NYA staff and my host family. One of my best summers yet!