Hello everyone! My name is Asiina Saila. I’m 18 years old, and I’m from a community called Kinngait, Nunavut, formerly known as Cape Dorset. My hometown has a population of roughly 1,400 people. It’s a small community known for its famous Inuit artwork location on Baffin Island, home to beautiful, talented, and wonderful artists. <3

I am currently participating in the Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) as a Next participant. My time with NYA has been such an inspiration to my life, it has shown me what I am capable of doing and taking on, it has been an honour to have been selected to participate in this amazing program, not only has it given me an incredible experience it has shown me so many opportunities that I can take on, and that I can face any challenges that come my way. We’ve been here for roughly 3 weeks now, and I’ve gotten a chance to meet so many wonderful people. I’ve done so much in that time already that I’ve learnt so much.

My time with NYA has been just so valuable to me that it has affected my life in such a good way, it’s giving me an opportunity to learn all new things and to take on new tasks that I am not familiar with, but still get through with it. The first activity we did in the trades area was welding, and I was very nervous, but I got through it and learned many interesting things about welding. At first I thought it wasn’t for me, which kinda still isn’t, but hey, I got to weld and learned to experience what it’s like to weld, I made cute little projects that I’m very eager to take Home to show everyone ☺️

This program isn’t just about learning skills, it’s about learning who you are. It’s helped me understand that I can learn to be more and become more confident, independent, and open to learning new things.

My favourite part of what has happened in the program is going to the Mechanical workshop, where we learned how vehicles operate, what parts of a vehicle are used for what, and how they function. The best part was learning how to change a tire! I’m so excited to go back home, and now I know how to change a tire if I need to! Haha

We’ve accomplished so much in the last 3 weeks that we’ve been in Ottawa, in the meantime, we’ve been staying at the Algonquin College which has been an amazing experience as it shows us what it’s like staying at a dorm and how’s college students live, We’ve been learning a lot about post secondary education and I feel blessed to have this experience as it’s giving me a sense of what post secondary is all about and what are all the benefits and challenges.

I’ve gone to a few different places to do some volunteer work, and it’s really amazing how things work down here and how much of the community works together to get things done.

One of the cool things we’ve got to do was Tour the parliament building as A special guest for Lori Idlout and I got to learn about how her job works and all, got to see beautiful paintings and what the meanings are in the rooms, I was even able to get a picture of myself sitting on one of their seats at the House of Commons!! We got to talk to Lori and learn about her roles and how things work, which I found pretty interesting! Lori Idlout, our MP!! 

Hi guys, my name is Cadence, and I’m from Whale Cove, Nunavut. I am 17 years old. Currently, I am participating in the Northern Youth Abroad Program and am living in Ottawa for the summer. It’s been such an insightful experience so far. I am dedicated to learning new things, developing new skills and exploring different careers and more.

I am very grateful for opportunities like these, and I am thankful that I signed up for this program. I met a lot of nice people and made many friends; the staff are also very supportive. This program teaches you self-discipline, independence and also prepares you for your next steps in life.

I have a new interest in construction. I enjoy building things, measuring, and seeing the excitement of what is being created when the project is completed. But I am more interested in becoming a Doctor.

Helping people is what I enjoy doing. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of becoming a doctor. The idea of helping people feel better and making a real difference in their lives has always been my greatest goal.

I know the road ahead won’t be easy. It means years of studying, long hours, and lots of hard work. However, every challenge will be worth it if it means I can help others. I’m ready to hit the books, learn everything I can, and work my way towards making my dream a reality.

Knowing that one day I could be the one providing care and comfort to those in need keeps me motivated. It’s a big dream, but I’m ready to chase it with everything I’ve got.

Growing up in the North, life was simple. Nature was my backyard, and quiet was the norm. However, I recently traded my rubber boots for city shoes and spent a month living in the city. Let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.

The biggest shock was the constant energy. The city never sleeps, and neither did I, at least not at first. There were new sounds, new smells, and a million new faces every day. Back home, I knew everyone. Here, anonymity was both freeing and a little scary. I found myself becoming more open, more curious, and definitely more confident. Navigating crowded streets and busy schedules forced me to step out of my comfort zone.

But the biggest change? Perspective. Experiencing so many different cultures, lifestyles, and opportunities opened my eyes to a world I had barely known existed. I realized how much I had taken for granted and how much more there is to learn. It’s like the coach always says, “No pain, no gain.” This month in the city wasn’t always easy, but it pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. And now, I’m bringing that growth back North with me.

Hi! My name is Cinquasha Smith, and I am from Whati, Northwest Territories. Whati is about 164 km out of Yellowknife and has a population of approximately 500 or more. It is located in the Northwest Territories, specifically in the North Slave Region, and is part of the Tlicho Nation. I’d like to start by sharing how grateful I am for being able to participate in the Northern Abroad Next Program! My gratitude also goes out to the staff, volunteers, and students who have taken the time out of their summers to encourage and engage with us. I am forever thankful for being given this opportunity and to everyone who has made this possible. Each and every person involved in making this program possible has had an impactful role. Everyone here has been welcoming, considerate, and supportive throughout this whole journey. 

The Next Program aims to prepare students for post-secondary studies and to experience life in an urban environment. Before getting on my flight to Ottawa, leaving home was very difficult. I was always surrounded by family and have never been away from home for such a long time. However, NYA has dealt with many others who have experienced the same homesickness as you. There are alumni who have been in a similar position to yours; therefore, NYA provides the support and encouragement to help you overcome your worries or anxiety.

Something to consider as well is the other participants here alongside you. We, participants, come from different parts of Northern Canada. We have different life experiences. However, just like you, they’re in a completely different environment and away from family or friends. And with that slight similarity, connections are built. I was able to bond and share my difficulties of being away from home because the people I’ve met here share that experience, and we developed a sense of belonging. Because of these connections, I’ve built friendships, shared laughs, and we support each other whenever it is needed. I am thankful to have been surrounded by such amazing people. Despite the days I’ve spent here being very tiring, the busy days have also helped me with my homesickness. We do so much in a day that I can’t even keep up with taking pictures. These past few weeks have gone by so quickly! My time here has made me determined and excited for my post-secondary education.

I’d recommend this program to anyone interested in travelling, seeking post-secondary options or even experiencing life away from home. I hope many others jump on any opportunity that comes by and commit to it! These opportunities don’t go to just anyone and can be life-changing. I am very lucky to be here and encourage many others to apply to future programs. 

Overall, despite the heat, Ottawa has been great! The heat and early wake-ups are something I’ve been able to adapt to quickly. I’ve met new people, tried new things, and discovered new interests! We’ve explored different fields in trades: welding, automotive, culinary, and construction. And surprisingly, as someone who has only liked writing-related classes, trades were really fun!

I am even considering changing my program to a field in trades for my fall semester. It is thanks to NYA that I have discovered an interest in cooking as a possible career path. We also attended financial workshops, went to a circus, visited museums, took tours, and participated in volunteer work, among many other classes. We also learned to take public transit independently, and I am confident about using it in the future. The memories and friends I’ve made here will sit with me forever. My time here with NYA has been an experience of a lifetime. It has shown me that we, people from the North, can achieve whatever we set our minds to. The Next Program inspires, builds dreams, and creates opportunities to start your journey towards a brighter future. So if you’re someone who wants to travel, achieve your goals, start off your future or even discover interests, I highly recommend applying and getting your own “experience of a lifetime”. Masi!

Hello, my name is Dominic Qamanirq, and I am from Arctic Bay, Nunavut. For the summer, I am placed in Orleans, Ontario. The thing I love about it here is that we have a really quiet area. My placement buddy is Peyton Simba, and he is from Kakisa Lake. My placement buddy and I have been going to the gym and the pool during our free time. Ever since I moved to the south, I’ve been trying hard to learn how to swim because I enjoy it.

Every day feels like an opportunity to grow, whether it’s trying new food, meeting new people, or learning about their culture. Knowing we have different cultures makes it more interesting to learn about the many opportunities that come with it.

The new experience of being away from my hometown and my parents for a while is somewhat challenging and makes me homesick, but receiving all the support from NYA and friends has helped me a lot. I’m very thankful to them for supporting me through hard times, and it means a lot to me.

And most of all, I’m very grateful to my host family for being able to stay at their house and welcoming me, and I’m very thankful to NYA (Northern Youth Abroad) for giving me a chance to be a participant!

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

Sincerely, Dominic

Hello everyone! My name is Kyrie, and I’m from Wha-Ti, NWT, a community of 700 people. I’m participating in the NYA Canadian program, which I joined thanks to my teachers’ encouragement and my parents’ guidance. With over 200 applicants and only 20 spots, I thought my chances were slim. I was on a drive to Yellowknife when I found out I had been accepted into the program. I was ecstatic, and it made my whole weekend! Where I then spent months volunteering, fundraising, and submitting assignments until June arrived. Exams were over, and I started packing the night before driving out to Yellowknife. A few days after meeting everyone, we flew to Calgary, to Ontario, and a bus ride later, we arrived at the campsite around 4 AM, with orientation starting at 11 AM.

But boy oh boy let me tell you something, orientation week was not for the weak and definitely tested me, with its bugs, endless hot days, damp nights and, the memories we made are absolutely golden. I was hesitant and unsure of the program at first, but I met so many people, learned about where they came from, and discovered their communities and interests, forming bonds that I know will last a lifetime while pushing through the hardships.

After orientation, our travel escort, Maureen, showed us a bit of Ontario before our flight to Winnipeg. Sydney and I even squeezed in a quick trip to Quebec! From Ontario, I flew to Winnipeg and was warmly greeted by my host family late at night. Settling in, I began to love Winnipeg, despite the initial shock of adjusting from a tiny community of 700 to a bustling city of 953,900 in just two weeks. I quickly learned to appreciate Winnipeg’s hidden gems, pretty scenery, fun activities, and new foods.

During our time in Winnipeg, my host family and I explored a lot: we went to a Métis festival for Indigenous Peoples Day, Wild Planet, Cob Bakery, and the Rock of Ages festival. I tried new foods, attended a powwow, and even fell in love with a tuxedo cat at a cat cafe.

Sydney and I packed our time in Winnipeg with adventure, exploring from sunup to sundown. We navigated the city by bus, discovered parks and fields, and indulged in new foods and treats. We even went to a carnival fair (where I may have thrown up!), and later visited The Forks after 10 PM for incredible views.

For my first two weeks, I was a zoo ambassador at Assiniboine Park Zoo, which was a blast! I learned the zoo inside and out, guided visitors, and discovered new lunch spots. Despite the brutal heat, volunteering there was my favorite experience but i knew it wasn’t for me. Then, I spent my last two weeks at Shaftesbury Senior Residence, and no, it’s not as boring or lame as it sounds as it was surprisingly fulfilling. I assisted with daily activities, helped in the dining room, organized the library, and getting to know the seniors, my co-workers, and other volunteers. But working with these seniors has taught me a lot: honesty, clear communication, a lot of patience, and to enjoy the little things. Seeing as my week is almost over, my heart feels heavy and overwhelmed as this volunteer experience felt like more than just helping out; it was a home away from my other home. It felt like a lived experience that I will never forget, as all these seniors will have a place in my heart for being such angels and really giving me the confidence to be myself and that I don’t need to hide behind closed doors.

Aside from the fun activities and my volunteer experience, we also got to know my host family, observing their daily life and having supper at 6 PM. Sometimes we helped by setting the table, making a dish, or putting things away. We spent time on the balcony reading, talking, having lunch, and coloring. I met Daisy, the host mom’s boyfriend’s cat, and we had movie fests where we’d binge-watch shows with sweet treats, go for drives, or just chill in general. On a serious note, my host family feels like a home away from home. They made me feel incredibly welcomed and cared for in a matter of minutes. Even though things were chaotic with their program ending and our program starting in the crossfire, they still gave us an awesome time, suggesting places to see and go, which we enjoyed immensely. We’re disheartened to leave but will definitely be back in the future.

And to my incredible placement buddy, Sydney! Her supportive nature and fun, punky personality made the whole experience unforgettable. With her awesome yet chic style, we explored everything we could in the south. In such a short time, we became close friends, especially with our deadly auntie laugh that filled every room whenever we joked around or shared funny stories. NYA did an amazing job pairing us; after we broke the ice, it felt like we had known each other for years.

So to anyone who is hesitant about joining next year’s program, please face those fears and sign up, I can reassure you that this program is worth it for the experience, traveling and I mean, it’ll save you from the college admission fees.

Hi! My name is Keisha Harris, and I’m 19 years old. I’m originally from Fort Good Hope but grew up in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. I’m currently participating in the Northern Youth Abroad program and living in Ottawa for the summer. This is my first time being so far from home, and it’s been such a powerful and eye-opening experience so far. I’m passionate about learning, growing, and staying connected to my culture, and I wanted to share a little bit about my journey here.

It’s been such a surreal and exciting experience being in Ottawa with the Northern Youth Abroad program. I can honestly say that this journey is teaching me a great deal, not just about the world, but also about myself. Coming from the North, being in a big city like Ottawa feels like stepping into a whole different world. There’s always something new happening here, whether it’s walking downtown, exploring the city, or even just catching a city bus (which is still something I’m getting used to!).

It’s been such a cool mix of learning, growth, and creating memories that I know I’ll carry with me forever. One of the highlights for me so far has been connecting with the other NYA participants. We all come from different places and backgrounds, but somehow we’ve built this little family. We’ve had a lot of laughs, shared stories, and supported each other when we needed it. That sense of belonging has meant so much. We also had the opportunity to try new techniques, such as MIG and stick welding, during the first week. I had taken welding in ninth grade, and honestly, I didn’t like it much then. But giving it another try here made me realize how much I’ve changed and grown. I actually had a lot of fun this time around!

This program isn’t just about learning skills, it’s about learning who you are. It’s helped me step out of my comfort zone and become more confident, independent, and open. I’m slowly learning how to express myself better, meet new people, and take on challenges, even when they seem intimidating at first. I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity, and I feel truly proud to be part of a program that uplifts Northern youth and gives us the chance to experience something entirely new. This trip is showing me how much I’m capable of, and it’s also helping me stay connected to my roots while stepping into new spaces. There’s still more to come, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of this journey takes me.

-Keisha Harris

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!

My personal learning project was with a company called BIG Insurance Group; I chose this because I am interested in the automotive and financial industries. I learned a new job that I thought I wouldn’t do, they insure a lot of cars in the city of Ottawa, Ontario. I learned a lot about how an insurance company operates; they work with a lot of clients, and I learned how to get paperwork done while someone fills out an application. Brian, who was teaching me about the company, showed me how to get around the job.

This year, through the NYA Next program, I also learned a lot more while attending a one-day automotive workshop at Algonquin College, including welding, how to change tires on cars, and much more. To add to that experience, two years ago, in 2023, I was placed in Windsor, Ontario. I volunteered at an automotive workshop at Canadian Tire for 150 hours, working on cars and learning how to properly fix them, complete the necessary paperwork, and understand the process of customers going through Canadian customs clearance. My highlight for this program would be learning and furthering my education about automotive and financial skills. NYA has offered me these opportunities, and it has helped me gain new skills and knowledge of what I want to do. I have always been passionate about cars, and this learning project has helped me explore potential careers in the industry.

Hi, my name is Arthur, and I am from Clyde River. I would like to talk about some of the things I experienced in the South. For my job placement, I worked at a place called Colour Works by Demarios. I am learning how to work on cars, and I also got to do some welding, sanding, and cleaning up around the shop and yard. I also went on go-kart rides, took bus rides, went for walks to parks, and met new people. I also saw a lot of different bugs. The weather is very different in the south compared to my home up north. In the south, it’s very hot for days, and sometimes a lot of rain. In the north, the weather is cold most of the year. In the South, the food is different; it is fresher and much cheaper. You can buy items for cheap, such as pop, chips, energy drinks, and more. Clothes are cheaper, and lots of things taste different here. I visited a nature park called Point Park and took a walk. The South is a very beautiful place to visit.