Hello my name is Keira. I am from Cambridge Bay, NU. My Personal Learning Project group was leadership and entrepreneurship. I chose this group as I like to be a leader – such as: helping others, making things happen for people. I like seeing smile’s on people’s faces and I also thought being in this group would be very educational for me.
For my PLP activities our group went to the AFN (Assembly of First Nation) and had interviewed small business owner’s. I have learned a lot with my PLP group and have possibly found out what I would want to do with my career in the future.
Hello! Participating in the Culture and Language Personal Learning Project (PLP) was an exciting opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions while gaining a better understanding of the diverse communities around us. Throughout this project, I had the chance to attend several cultural events and visit places that expanded my knowledge and appreciation of cultures from around the world.
One of my favourite experiences was attending the Ghana Festival in Ottawa. The festival was full of energy, music, dancing, delicious food, and beautiful traditional clothing. It was amazing to see how proud the Ghanaian community is of their culture and how welcoming everyone was. Watching the performances and learning about Ghana’s traditions helped me understand the importance of celebrating cultural heritage.
Another memorable experience was attending the AXE WorldFest at the National Arts Centre (NAC). I enjoyed seeing performances from different cultures that included music, dance, and storytelling. Each performance was unique and showed how art can bring people together, even when they come from different backgrounds. It reminded me that culture can be shared in many creative ways.
I also visited the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, where I learned more about Canada’s history and the many cultures that have shaped our country. The exhibits helped me better understand the traditions, stories, and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and other communities that have helped build Canada. One of the highlights of my visit was looking up at the beautiful painted ceiling in the Grand Hall The artwork added to the experience and reflected the rich Indigenous culture and history celebrated throughout the museum. It was interesting to see how history, art, and culture come together to tell meaningful stories and connect people from different backgrounds and generations.
For my personal learning activity, I chose to visit an Asian outdoor market. The market was set up outside with many different tents, each offering a variety of foods, snacks, drinks, handmade items, and cultural products. Walking from tent to tent gave me the opportunity to experience the atmosphere and see the wide range of traditions and products that were being shared. I enjoyed exploring the different booths and learning about the foods and items that are important in many Asian cultures. This experience showed me how food, traditions, and local markets bring people together and help preserve cultural heritage. Visiting the market gave me a greater appreciation for the diversity within Asian cultures and encouraged me to continue learning about them.
Hey, Rick here once again! During my time in the Next program, I was put into the Food & Nutrition group where we learnt about foods, cooking and baking. The Food and Nutrition group got to take a tour of Algonquin College’s culinary arts school, take a class, cook, and meal prep for the day. I never even knew they offered that type of program because I love baking and cooking as well. I personally got to take a tour of a bakery in Ottawa, which really gave me a sense of how to start up my own business back home,how to navigate problems, coordinate staff, hire staff, and all the business stuff.
My favourite thing to experience was that I never knew Algonquin College offered 1st and 2nd year of Culinary arts program. Your first year of culinary schooling is just learning how to cook like a 5 star restaurant. Then in the second year you’re still cooking, but more experienced, learning what it’s like to be the head chef in a restaurant, taking charge of your meals, prepping and other stuff. I also learnt that once you graduate Culinary arts, you can get hired basically anywhere in the world, on cruise ships, high quality restaurants, and so much more places around the world. I was also told you make around 10k a month, if I remember correctly hehe. I also got to take a tour at a local bakery where I learnt what it’s like to have your own personal business. Speaking of personal business, I would one day love to open up a bakery in my hometown which is known as Baker Lake. I learnt to start small and that there may be some downs and ups in the process of starting your own bakery, but it’s worth all the hustle if you push yourself in order to achieve what you want in life because no one else will do it for you.
Through all the good and harsh times during my placement with NYA Next, I would definitely do this all over again if I could. I also would love to go to school in Ottawa some day as it opened more doors than I imagined. Until next time!
Hello everyone my name is Chloe Hokanak. I’m from Kugluktuk, Nunavut and the population in my community is approximately 1,500 people. I’m one of the 18 participants of the NYA NextProgram. Here is a bit about myself – I enjoy beading, sewing by hand or sewing machine, baking, fishing, camping, exploring new places, travelling, and learning more about my culture. I applied to NYA back in October 2024, I got accepted and was fortunate enough to choose which of the two core programs I would be more interested in participating in. I chose the NYA Next Program because I recently graduated high school and I’m looking into different options for post-secondary/university while also learning what its like to live on campus, which was at Algonquin College here in Ottawa.
Before I arrived to Ottawa I was a bit nervous as this is the furthest I’ve been away from my home community. I didn’t know what to expect from this trip and how much I would gain from this experience. I also never expected how much this experience would change how I view life as a whole, and how much the people would change my life. This experience has taught me so much about life, campus, residence, learning to navigate my way around the city on my own, trades, and so much more. But I’ve also learnt so much about myself as an individual. It’s brought me so much more confidence, understanding and it’s taught me how to be more resilient. I learned how to be more independent, I learned more about leadership and entrepreneurship with my PLP group, and ways I can help my community with volunteerism.
This whole experience has been nothing but amazing, and such an eye-opening experience for me. Although there were days where I was very tired and exhausted from the intense schedule, I wouldn’t change it for anything. The staff and project leaders are very understanding and helpful. They assist you when needed, and if you want someone to talk to, they are there for you and the other participants. We did so much in a short amount of time, but once the ending of the program came closer, it felt as if we never had enough time together as a group. This program has, no doubt changed my life and I will always be grateful to have been able to experience this with an amazing group of youth. I encourage all youth from my community and neighbouring communities to apply to this program. If you’re thinking of applying or know of someone interested in applying, encourage them and support them. They will gain a lot from this experience and learn so much more than they ever expected. They will also get the chance to meet youth from Nunavut & NWT, build strong bonds and gain friendships that will last forever, and make connections with project leaders and staff that will help and support them through the program and even after the program is done.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog 🙂 Hope you have a great day!
My name is Mega Willie Fox. I’m from Arctic Bay, Nunavut. I applied for Northern Youth Abroad Next Program because I wanted to see what the options are for college life and experience living here in Ottawa. I chose this program to see what other career options there are with the college life while living here for careers, and what the other options for many career paths. For example, this program teaches you trades such as carpentry, soldering, welding, demolishing, vanishing, scaffolding, and volunteer work.
My PLP was food and nutrition. We did “Feed the City – West Borne” and “The Ottawa Mission,” feeding the homeless. Serving people food, and delivering on people’s doors. In Ottawa, we stayed here at the Algonquin College Residence. What’s new to me is that you can stay here on campus. About NYA Next is that you do a lot of work that’s new to you, and experience living down here.
It’s been a little hard for me. What’s been overwhelming but I felt halfway through I pushed through and I made it to the end of this program, and I still have every part of this program on my side. If you are still in high school or just finished up high school I recommend NYA Next Program so you can explore your career options and get your career options, so you can choose and get even a lot of experience. You will ever experience how what interests students live. It is everywhere calling to you, but if you’ll push through and get yourself first and grow as a person. I’m satisfied and grateful that I chose this program.
Hi my name is Rowena Kogvik, from Gjoa Haven NU. My PLP (Personal Learning Project) was Culture and Language. My favourite activity that we did was going to the Ghana Fest because I got to try new food that I’ve never tried before and it was amazing. And also listening to their music that they played.
And also going to the museum of history was one of my favourites too because I got to learn about different cultures. From the places that we went to I learnt how they do their culture, where they come from and how they celebrate special events.
I also got to go to NICU at the CHEO Hospital and got to learn about the volunteers, numbers and more. Which was my favourite to do, as it’s my dream job.
Hello, my name is Nigel Timbre, and I’m from Fort Liard Northwest Territories.
At first I was not nervous to go to Ottawa, but when I arrived, I was nervous because I was going to live with people that I didn’t know for 3 weeks, but I was with my friend from my home community so I was not alone.
My favorite activity was going to watch a basketball game. It was fun to watch because the players were very hyped and made the game fun to watch. I wished that I got to watch more games because it inspired me to try to play pro league basketball.
I’m interested in being a carpenter if basketball doesn’t go well for me because I find being a carpenter would be a career I would love to do.
The lesson I would bring back to my community is that it’s ok to step out of your comfort zone.
If I had to say three words to describe my experience: Transformative, Welcoming, Memorable.
Something that I learned about myself is that I’m feel more confident and I’m glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone.
My experience in Ottawa I learned about new culture/traditional foods when I went to the Ghana festival. I liked the music they played when I was trying all the food.
If I wanted to continue learning about a topic I would learn more about the history of my culture.
Something I liked about my Personal Learning Project (PLP) I liked when we went to the Axé summer world fest the music was amazing I felt the music the lyrics
Hey! My name is Preston Rabesca and I’m from a small fly-in community called Wekweeti Snare Lake, NWT.
When I first applied for the NYA Next program, I honestly didn’t think I would get accepted. I was very nervous about the interview because I didn’t want to mess up my chances of being selected. After the interview, knowing the release date for the participant list made the wait feel even longer. I spent almost every day counting down until the list was announced, hoping my name would be on it. When the list finally came out and I saw my name, I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and accomplishment, it was such a rewarding moment, and I couldn’t wait to begin my journey with NYA.
Regardless of how nervous I was to apply, I’m incredibly grateful that I was accepted. This program has given me so many opportunities that not everyone gets to experience. I’ve explored different parts of Ottawa, visited Parliament, met the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Rebecca Alty, and even attended my first two live sports events!! NYA has given me more opportunities than I ever could have imagined. But one of the most meaningful parts of this experience has been the people I’ve met along the way. The amazing NYA participants I’ve shared these experiences with have made this journey so special, and I’ll always and forever cherish the memories we created together. I’m going to miss everyone so much, and I will always be grateful to have been part of the NYA Next Program 2026.
NYA Next is unlike any other program I’ve ever been a part of. We’re always busy, whether it’s participating in trade workshops, doing volunteer work, exploring new places, or taking part in different activities. There is rarely a lot of time to slow down and relax, but that is also one of the things that makes this program so special. NYA’s mission of providing education through work and travel truly comes to life through every experience we have.
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This program has definitely challenged me both physically and mentally. There were days when I was so physically exhausted that I didn’t want to get up or do anything because of how tired I felt. There were also days where I felt completely emotionally drained, where simply getting through the day took everything I had. What made those moments difficult was that many people around me didn’t realize I was struggling, because I had become so used to pretending that I was okay.
One of the hardest parts of NYA Next was learning how to stay mentally and emotionally strong while being away from home and trying new things, being social, making connections, and adjusting to such a busy schedule. There were moments where I felt guilty for even struggling at all. I had questioned why I was having a hard time making connections, being social, or coping with the challenges of the program, when I knew I was surrounded by so many amazing people and opportunities. There were days where I wanted to drop everything, step away, and not participate because I felt so overwhelmed.
There were moments where I felt completely alone in my own head, and I convinced myself that no one would understand what I was feeling. But as time went on and I slowly opened up to the other participants, I realized that I wasn’t the only one silently fighting my own battles. I know there may be participants reading this who have felt the same way at some point during this experience with many of us were carrying our own challenges while showing up and still trying our very best.
Even through the challenging moments, NYA Next has given me experiences I will never forget. I’ve learned more about myself, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and created meaningful connections with the people who have made this journey so special. This program has challenged me in ways I never expected, but has also brought so much warmth and happiness into my life. I will always carry these memories, the lessons I’ve learned, and the people I’ve met with me.
My name is Mega Willie Fox. I’m from Arctic Bay, Nunavut. I applied for Northern Youth Abroad Next Program because I wanted to see what the options are for college life and experience living here in Ottawa. I chose this program to see what other career options there are with the college life while living here for careers, and what the other options for many career paths. For example, this program teaches you trades such as carpentry, soldering, welding, demolishing, vanishing, scaffolding, and volunteer work.
And we did “Feed the City – West Borne” and “The Ottawa Mission,” feeding the homeless. Serving people food, and delivering on people’s doors. In Ottawa, we stayed here at the Algonquin College Residence. What’s new to me is that you can stay here on campus. About NYA Next is that you do a lot of work that’s new to you, and experience living down here.
It’s been a little hard for me. What’s been overwhelming but I felt halfway through I pushed through and I made it to the end of this program, and I still have every part of this program on my side. If you are still in high school or just finished up high school I recommend NYA Next Program so you can explore your career options and get your career options, so you can choose and get even a lot of experience. You will ever experience how what interests students live. It is everywhere calling to you, but if you’ll push through and get yourself first and grow as a person. I’m satisfied and grateful that I chose this program.
