My name is Millie-Anna Aaruaq. I am from Baker Lake Nunavut with a population just under 2,500, living in such an isolated community limits your opportunities and desires to explore. Not that I don’t miss home at all, but just having the idea to find out who I want to be and what I am capable of in the future. Yes, there are many opportunities in Nunavut, but they don’t give me the same urge to learn new things and explore as much as I can with this program.
I am here in Ottawa Ontario with the Northern Youth Abroad Next program. This program has opened many doors for me as an Inuk student who has dreamed of becoming more then just a small community girl. Each and everyday is something new to me, trying new foods, trying different trades such as carpentry, plumbing and pipe fitting, welding, first aid, and many more to come. But my most favourite part of this program is learning about the other participants and project leaders culture and creating unforgettable moments and memories with them.
This program has made a huge impact on my life, it has open my eyes to what is being offered to me. I am great full for this opportunity from NYA as this is my last year to attend any programs from NYA as a participant.
I’d like to thank all the staff for their unconditional support and love they have given me over the years I’ve attended any of the programs, as I attended post secondary they will still have the support and love they have given me over the years.
While taking NYA programs I have grown and learn so much, I have learnt to be more independent, to be a leader, and learnt that having emotions and feelings is okay. I am becoming the woman I want to be because they taught me so much about who I am and who I will like to be in the future.
Hello, my name is Kupaaq Idlout, and I am from Resolute Bay, Nunavut. Right now I’m in Ottawa, Ontario with Albert Uttak who has been my best friend during this trip which has been so amazing.
The scenery here is beautiful, it’s a mix of the big city and countryside. I’m here now thanks to Northern Youth Abroad, my family, and my mentor. They have all put in so much work to support me and give me the opportunity to join this program. When I first heard of this program I wasn’t so interested because it sounded like a lot of work and Im typically a lazy person but for some reason I decided to join on a whim. I didn’t know it gave high school credits or excellent opportunities or fun experiences, I didn’t even know what it was and had barely read what it was about. I later found out afterwards that I got accepted out of the three other people who had signed up was surprised I was chosen. I also delayed most of the paperwork till the last few weeks of the deadline, and on the flight to Ottawa I was unusually excited to see what it was about.
When I arrived the first person I saw that was with the program was the tallest person I had seen in my life and that was new to me, since I had never seen someone above the height of 6 foot 4 inches so I was taken aback by his height.
In the first week I got to meet 18 amazing people who all went to the program for their own reasons and they all were unique people who I enjoyed getting to know. Then I arrived at my host family’s house and met Mariamanda who treated me like I was apart of the family even though we just met. She scolds me when I miss my curfew and cooks amazing meals for me and allows me to treat her house like home.
My workplace, equator coffee shop is awesome. The location I worked at was in Gloucester and the staff all became my friends that I enjoyed working with. My manager didn’t feel like a boss instead he felt like a close friend. I learned a few things from all of them some examples are; polite mannerisms when speaking to people, boundaries of what not to speak of when speaking to others, team building, and what it feels like to be on the other side of the counter of customer service.
During my trip I tried a few different things, the most memorable experience was the canoeing trip. This was my first time going canoeing in my life so I was excited to experience what it was like, and the location was Gatineau park which was beautiful. At the lake inside the park we swam inside the lake and I experienced touching weeds while swimming and it was extremely weird and made me freak out. I also saw a bog for the first time with lily pads and lily flower’s which are my new favourite flower.
I am thankful to everyone who helped me during this time!
Hello, my name is Rocky Oleekatalik and I’m from Taloyoak, Nunavut. I am here in Redcliff Alberta gaining some work experience and at first it was hard maintaining my sleep schedule and having the work ethic but now I’d say I’m used to it. The view here at my host parents house is amazing. Just plains for awhile before we get into town and I’ll always choose seeing the view over being on my phone while heading to work.
My host family made me feel welcomed and appreciated as soon as I got here. My host dad Bill is a firefighter and a bee keeper, as well as farmer. I’ve helped just a bit but my host buddy has been helping him way more than I do because I don’t like the bugs, out here they are many type of bugs. It grosses me out so much I flinch at every bug that comes into my view, grossest bug I’ve seen yet are beetles and spiders. My host mom, Kristi, have driven us to places and she made me feel comfortable.
So far I’m enjoying my stay here and I believe I know the surrounding areas like which route we take to my workplace, I enjoy my workplace. Sometimes I have a hard time because I’m tired but I push through it, my coworkers are very friendly and supportive of me and I very much appreciate that. Chris and Rick entertain me when I work with them, they tell me their experiences and jokes while we are working and I very much enjoy that.
We’ve gone to a powwow which was awesome, I’ve taken a lot of photos with the dancers and hearing them sing and seeing them perform is such a unique experience. Me, Ian, my host brother, and his buddy have gone golfing and that was a highlight for me to remember. Golfing in the south is so much better than golfing back at my hometown, I’m proud to say that I’ve won the golf round. We’ve also gone to a zoo, a park with a bunch of rides, an escape room, arcades, a reptile expo, I’ve got to hold a snake and that was an experience. We’ve also have gotten very close to the U.S border at a place called ‘writing on stone’ and I’ve got to see sum mountains in the distance that belonged to the U.S and I’ve also got to see the Rocky Mountains and that was amazing.
During the assignments before coming here I was very overwhelmed but the staff have encouraged me to keep going and to not give up, and my advice to others who wants to join NYA, I’d say do it! You won’t regret anything on what you signed up for, if it’s campus tours, or the Canadian program, the NYA staff is very welcoming and very kind! At least 5 to 10 times I’ve told the staff that I wanted to give up on the assignments but they’ve helped me along the way. The assignments aren’t hard if you put your mind to it and have encouragement along the way. The NYA staff to me is like a family, they make me feel at home, they feed us and take care of us. I’m very thankful for the NYA staff. If you feel like applying for NYA, do it with no looking back! It’s a very one of a kind moment to be with the staff!
Hi my name is Sydney, and I’m from Gjoa Haven, Nunavut the population is about 1,500 to 1,700 people.
My host family are Emily,Steve,Izzy and Sophie. They are very kind, caring, fun and supportive people I’ve met and I’m very glad I get to live with them for the summer along with my buddy Shelaine from Kimmirut. We both love to go shopping, taking pictures, trying new things and listening to music.
I chose this program because I want to gain more confidence, work experience , learn how to live in a city and try new things. I got placed in Edmonton Alberta at TELUS World of Science. The people there are nice, welcoming, friendly, hardworking and caring. I enjoy working as a volunteer student, it is a nice experience with them. I got to teach students arctic games in my first week of work. It really amazed me when they learned so quickly and I’m happy to share my culture with others.
A new thing I tried was going to the world’s biggest mall, West Edmonton mall. I went on the roller coaster and it was scary but at the end it was so fun! I did horse riding, went to the movies, swimming and rec centre. New food that I tried was chick- fil-A and it was so good. I also tried a new drink called boba raspberry lemonade from the mall (I forgot what mall but it was pretty good). I did some shopping for new clothes for myself and other things for home.
I’m getting used to going to the bus stop by myself. It was scary the first week but I’m used to it now as the weeks are going by so fast! For Nunavut day I helped people with sewing, colouring, watched taktu movie and teaching people arctic games & helped with other things. I just wanna mention that I have an uncle who did the Canadian program back in 2013 his name is Garrett and he told me some things he did! Also I have an auntie who did the NYA Next program last year, her name is Becky she told me the things we can do and told me about she did and learned during that program. I am glad to have family who experienced this program
I highly recommend youth aged 15-20 to apply to any program that NYA does, there’s lots of great opportunities when you’re done high school so try it! It’ll be worth going for, getting away from home and experiencing the city life! Thank you for reading my blog!!
I am Ian Landry and I’m from Fort Providence NWT. I applied for NYA to get high school credits, meet friends, gain confidence and get some experience of a city in the south. I want to explore the city or town a bit more and learn more about Medicine Hat and Redcliff. My first job was at Medicine Hat family services. I did not get a lot of experience there. I just learned basic stuff like organizing and helping other people there moving stuff around. My host family is really nice, they brought us to Medicine Hat to see the reptile exhibit. I saw scorpions, tarantulas, snapping turtles and snakes. We went to an arcade. We went to a nice restaurant and ate some good food. The view where I’m staying at is really nice and they have two good looking dogs. In the stores here and Medicine Hat, the prices are really cheap, which is really good. I walked around Medicine Hat and it was really nice. It’s has really nice stores and really nice people. I worked with at family services were really nice caring and they got me Tim Hortons and Dairy Queen. At lunch, I would usually go for a walk for an hour. Check out the stores get something to eat at a restaurant, and also wanted to try some new foods such as farmer sausage.
I am looking forwards to doing an escape room with my host family. We may also get to the Calgary zoo.
Hi! My name is Leela Bekale and I am from Gameti, Northwest Territories. I’d like to give my appreciation to my mentor, my family and the NYA staff for encouraging me to go on this amazing opportunity.
This program gives the northern youth an opportunity to travel, experience what it’s like to live down south, gain work experience, continue with education and meet new people. I signed up because of my sister, Hannah Bekale. She signed up and went last year and she told me her experiences, what she has done and the nice people she has met. She encouraged me to sign up even though she knew I was nervous or unsure about it. I’m very grateful she did. Here is a photo of me, Hannah and our older sister Amelia.
I’m in Kempt Shore, Nova Scotia for the summer with my buddy Brooklyn.
We have been here for about 3 weeks and it has been the best experience since. The scenery in the area is beautiful, there’s agriculture, cute animals and lots of nice people. In my first week I have been very anxious and homesick, it was hard to get comfortable because of not knowing what to do or where to go, how the city works or how to step out of my comfort zone. It was a challenge for me but luckily my host parents, Bronwen and Addyson’s support helped me through it all. They made sure I was comfortable and offered help when I needed it the most. And I am very thankful for that.
My work placement is Wolfville recreation. Where I plan programs and activities, create a fun and positive environment, supervise children, build positive relationships with everyone, support coworkers and assist children that need help. I like my job so far and I’m excited for what the next 2 weeks have for me.
Overall this trip has helped me grow and learn in so many ways. I became more confident, independent and willing to step out of my comfort zone.
I am very thankful to everyone who believed in me and encouraged me to take this big step even though it’s hard. I know for sure this is an experience I will never forget.
A couple days ago somebody told me “You only live once, you don’t want to run out of time and keep repeating the same things over and over. Make a difference and do the things you love.” And I keep thinking about that.
My name is Shelaine Nutarasungnik, I am 17 years old & I am from Kimmirut, Nunavut. A small community of about 450 people and about 30-minute plane ride from the capital (Iqaluit) of Nunavut. I’m so glad to be taking part in the 2026 Canadian Program of Northern Youth Abroad! It’s an honor to be experiencing all kinds of new things, embracing every moment this journey brings.
I chose to apply and participate in the Canadian Program to explore new cultures, gain valuable life experiences, and develop my independence. Also to learn how to live in the south, meet new people from different backgrounds, improve my communication skills, and broaden my perspective on the world. Earning the high school credits will help me a lot throughout my last year of high school & I really believe that this opportunity will help me grow personally & academically, preparing me for future challenges and inspiring me to make a positive impact in my community. I also know that my late Mentor, Johnny Padluq, who was known by so many people for his kindness & love, who was open for absolutely anything and willing to help those in need, super proud of how far I’ve pushed forward despite every challenge I have faced. I myself, knowing he really wanted this for me and to experience it, so here I am <3
I got placed in Edmonton, Alberta, and it has been amazing in the past three weeks away from home, starting at the camp an hour outside of Ottawa where I met so many great people! The NYA staff, other participants from different parts of Nunavut & the Northwest Territories. Edmonton is such a nice place with really beautiful scenery, lots of things / places I’ve never seen before. The city comes alive with green parks and colorful flowers; the days are long & sunny, perfect for exploring outdoor festivals, markets and all the fun activities happening around town. Such a great time to enjoy the warm weather & beautiful nature! I’ve travelled from Kimmirut – Iqaluit, Iqaluit – Ottawa, Ottawa – Calgary and then drove to Edmonton from Calgary with my Host-Mom & her beautiful girls along with my placement buddy, Sydney. I enjoyed flying to Calgary and driving to another place for the first time.
My Host-Family (Emily, Stevan, Izzy & Sophie) has been incredibly welcoming and kind since we arrived, also their cat (Mike) is super chill. They have already made me feel at home right from the moment I met them & I’ve been enjoying every bit of my stay, really supportive and patient in ways I can’t even explain. Their warmth and generosity have created a comfortable environment where I can learn and grow! I truly appreciate their kindness and the effort they put into making my experience enjoyable & memorable – always happy to take us to new places once we can, super grateful! My buddy is Sydney Ameralik from Gjoa Haven, Nunavut. We get along so well & we both love shopping, trying new food, taking pictures or getting to know the city more!
My work placement at the Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre is a wonderful experience. The staff there are very kind, welcoming, and supportive. Everyone is patient and works well together, they make sure I feel comfortable & included while I learn new skills and I get to help with different tasks like assisting or running events for seniors to gather, which makes the workplace lively and enjoyable. I could also help with cooking / kitchen prep, they can even ask me to help with the garden – water the plants or grow new plants. I enjoy learning from them because they share their knowledge & encourage me to do my best. All these experiences make my placement both fun and rewarding, even got to make my very first drum which I really enjoyed!
So far, I’ve gone swimming, went shopping at close by malls along with the biggest mall in Canada (West Edmonton Mall), learned to take the bus back & forth, tried new food / drinks, and got a membership for Edmonton’s recreational activities like fitness and other stuff. Got to check out an event for Canada Day along with watching lots of fireworks! Also got to attend A$AP Rocky’s concert for the very first time last weekend it was a blast! Enjoyed every bit of his performance & that was definitely for the books! Looking forward to getting my nails done, getting new tattoos, & riding a horse for the very first time + soo much more!
Honestly, Northern Youth Abroad has been an eye-opening experience that really expanded my perspective. It helped me understand different cultures, challenges, and ways of life that I hadn’t thought about before. Through the program, I have learned to appreciate diversity and developed a stronger sense of empathy and global awareness. It made me more confident and inspired me to think beyond my own community, encouraging me to be more open-minded & curious about the world around me. I recommend this program so much to northern youth interested in expanding their horizons and gaining new experiences! Biggest thanks to my Vice Principal Aly (my mentor), for pushing me forward to go ahead with this no matter how challenging it was, helping me & always believing in me through it all!
Hi, my name is Rosalie Yukon, I’m a high school student at Chief Jimmy Bruneau School. I’m a young Tlicho woman from Behchoko, NT participating in the NYA Canadian program. I play soccer and volleyball with my school team, Warriors. Sports helped me find a purpose, and opened endless opportunities and new friendships. My school team showed me so much love and support, they helped me in so many ways and they don’t even know it. I took some lash extension courses and it’s something I want to pursue as my career. I’m really into beauty and want to be a part of the industry.
Right now I’m placed in Orleans, Ottawa with my placement buddy Natalie Joss. My volunteer placement is at the Chapel Hill retirement home where I escort elderly to activities we plan beforehand. I love hanging with the residents, they’re so interested in my culture and where I’m from. My experience in Ottawa changed my whole perspective on what my future holds for me. I don’t want to leave, this city life is my lifestyle. I can express myself however I want to and do activities that we don’t have up north. Overall I can see myself living in Ottawa after high school.
These past weeks staying with Natalie and my host parents, Tessa and Yann have been so much fun. We plan the week beforehand and do lots of activities. My host mom,Tessa, is so amazing. She leads an active and organized lifestyle, always staying busy but managing everything with ease. She’s incredibly supportive and always there when you need her. She’s young, beautiful and full of energy, which makes her a wonderful and inspiring presence in her home. She’s definitely someone I look up to. Same with her partner Yannick, he shares an active and supportive lifestyle, always loving and caring. We both really enjoy the same artist, Mac Miller, which is something special we connect over. He works as a carpenter in Niagara and also spends a few months each year doing underwater carpenter extraction. Although he’s only home every two weeks, he makes the most of his time with us and is a big part of the family.
NYA did an amazing job organizing this program. I love my placement home, workplace, and best of all my buddy Natalie Joss. Before leaving home i got an email of Natalie’s letter to me, we have nothing in common except that we have 5 younger siblings. She has 4 younger sisters and 1 brother, and I have 4 brothers and 1 sister which was a surprise. During the orientation it was awkward but now we are closer than ever. Now my day to day life revolves around her and wouldn’t change that for anything. She listens and supports me in every way. She’s easy going and always up for anything. We’re basically the opposite, I love anything beauty and fashion and she’s all about cars! But I think it makes us closer by learning different things about each other.
Living in Orleans, Ottawa is very family-friendly. It’s a suburban area with lots of parks, schools, shopping centers, and community facilities. The neighborhood is known for being safe and welcoming. There are plenty of outdoor activities nearby, like walking trails and sports fields, and well connected to downtown Ottawa by public transit and roads. Overall it’s a great place with a balance of city access and a quieter, community-focused environment.
I had challenges for years before traveling down to Ottawa. I want to give a huge shortout to my mentor, Michael Johnston! Mike has seen me through so many different times of my life. He stood by me, pushed me, and helped me grow into the better person I am today. He made a huge impact on many youths back at home, including his wife, Hovak Johnston. A big thank you for your support and encouragement.
My name is Qunguliq and I am from Clyde river, Nunavut. For NYA I am in North Bay Ontario to volunteer at the Indigenous hub/day care and I am loving it so far! We have been going to other places on the weekends and I am looking forward for more trips when I am done with my high school.
I am so happy that I applied for NYA because I am doing so many different things that I wouldn’t do back home. It’s been soo hot out, I did a mini roller coaster for the first time on Sunday and I will definitely not doing it again in my whole entire life😂 I was laughing and crying at the same time on it and I don’t know how I felt but it was scary and fun at the same time.
If anyone reading this I encourage you to apply because there are so many things you can do with NYA such as volunteering, shopping, go to other places if you are lucky, and much more. You may feel homesick at first but I tell you it will be worth it! I get homesick at times but it gets away in no time and I look forward for another day because it’s always a different day after the bad days<3
I cherish every moment while I’m here and I will be looking forward for everything that will happen while I’m still in North Bay. I love my Host Family and my placement buddy, they have been by my side the whole time I’m here and I am so grateful that they are welcoming me since I came to North Bay.
