Liveena in Totonicapan

Hello, my name is Liveena Toonoo (most prefer Liv), and I am from Cape Dorset, Nunavut. My Canadian Phase was in St. Albert, Alberta with my buddy; Anne Renee in 2012. I was placed at the YMCA Citadel Day Care, which really prepared me a lot for my job experiences since. Now I am currently doing the International Phase.

Algonquin College in Ottawa was part one of our International Phase. We had basic Spanish classes 2 times a week for 3 weeks with an awesome Spanish teacher named Jackie. (But I manage to almost mix up Ukrainian and Spanish, and the kids find it quite funny to hear us try to speak very basic Spanish, and it’s adorable). We also had a 3 week construction class course with the whole group taught by Craig. I would’ve never thought that I would be doing a construction class, considering I avoided it in high school. Any tools, whether it be hand or power tools, had always scared me prior to the class. Which Craig definitely saw on my face prior to trying every tool – I definitely loved the Compound Miter Saw though. We all successfully completed the course. We were split into 4 groups and all managed to finish a dog house for each group. They then donate the dog houses, which is awesome.

Those 3 weeks in Ottawa definitely flew by, and we are now currently in Totonicapan, Guatemala. It is breathe taking and beautiful. We’re almost 3 thousand feet above sea level, working on our second house. It’s quite exhausting, but so worth it knowing we’re making a house, that the families will then make into a home. Things to remember “apply sunscreen constantly, drink lots of water, wear a hat”.  The people here are beautiful, the women’s clothing especially. Some children are also very entertaining, curious and shy. They definitely notice my Monroe piercing. One young lady gave me a bracelet on our first house while I was chiselling cement blocks, which has probably made my whole week! (Side thought: Everyone is almost all my height or shorter; “these are my people” and “Oh my gosh, I feel tall”).

I definitely recommend Northern Youth Abroad to all the youth of Nunavut and Northwest Territories. NYA has many great benefits, such as receiving high school credits, and volunteer hours at great work places (which all vary depending on your interests). You also get to see different part of Canada in the Canadian Phase, and then you’d be eligible for the International Phase. So take the leap, get out of your comfort zone, there’s a whole different world waiting for you out there!

Alisha, Kyla, Sandra at horseback riding

My experience in the NYA program has been extremely amazing and incredible. I am so happy I’ve got to have this experience. I was placed in London, Ontario. My placement buddy is Kyla. My host mom’s name is Deb Branston. She has 2 sons Micah who is 3 and Matthew who is 9. She also has 2 foster daughters. I’ve had a lot of fun this summer and did a lot of stuff like: go to Canada’s Wonderland, horseback riding, to East Park (which is a water park in London), go on a tall ships tour in Toronto, go to Stratford to see a play called the Sound of Music, go go-karting, to the beach, to Rock Glen Conservation Park, to the movies many times, and the mall. I also made a new friend from France who was also a student staying with my host family. I worked at the London’s Children Museum. I did stuff like art demos and science demos with kids, planning for day camps and prepping for camps too.  I really enjoyed working there. My coworkers were really friendly and awesome. I will also be starting at a bakery for the last 2 days. I’m excited to work there. I’ve gotten used to living in the South. I’ve explored most of the city and know my way around. I’m used to taking the bus everywhere. I’ve made a lot of new friends too, which was one of my goals. Kyla and I have also gotten to hang out with Angela and Sandra a few times. Marcus and Paul also came over with them one night and we went swimming in the backyard and had a campfire and sundaes. It was really fun. I haven’t really been homesick. I’m having too much fun to be missing home. I’m really glad that I’ve done this program and looking forward to applying for the international program.

Lilly working at the bakery

My name is Lilly and I’m from Cape Dorset. I was placed in Saint John, New Brunswick with my buddy Saveah from Kugluktuk. I volunteer at a bakery called Piece O’ Cake Custom Creations. At work I learn how to bake cakes and cupcakes, how to keep things organized and how to do icings and designs.

I work with my AWESOME co-workers Jo-Lynn and Meg, and of course my supervisor Sherry. Sherry is a very nice person and she’s fun to be around. My host parents are Cheryl and Steve McDaid. Cheryl (my host mom) makes me laugh every day, which is a good thing because I love laughing. My host dad Steve is funny and always joking around. They are both very nice and welcoming. They also make sure that we are always safe and having a good time.

They have two kids, James is 15 and Katie is 11. They also have 2 cats and one dog, the kitten’s name is Peanut, the cat’s name is Pepper and the dog’s name is Jess.

I’ve been enjoying my experience so far. I’ve gone to the beach, shopping, jogging and toured around the city. Saint John is a beautiful place and I’m happy that I’ve been placed here 🙂

Kyla and Alisha horseback riding

I started off my first work day by taking the first bus I’ve ever took alone in my life. I had to take 2 busses in order to get to my work placement, it was definitely a learning experience. I have now been taking the bus every day to work for 3 weeks. I quickly learned my route home, to work, and surrounding areas by heart. Travelling around the city by myself was very intimidating at first, but after time it got easier, and now I can do it no problem.

In our summer home, lives brothers, Matthew and Micah, their mom Deb, and foster daughters Erin, and Karibia. Over the summer we have also had 2 French students from France stay with us – Marjorie, and Nathan. We became great friends with them throughout the summer doing a lot of fun activities with them. We even joined other NYA participants, Angela and Sandra, for campfires, and swims in the backyard pool. Their host family also lived in London.

Kyla, Alisha and Host Family at Canada’s Wonderland

Over the summer, Deb did everything she could to fulfil our new city desires. She brought us to the African Lion Safari, waterfalls, several beaches, horseback riding, watching plays, trips to Toronto and Stratford, and Canada’s Wonderland, where we got to go sky flying in bungee cords, and on the slingshot ride. The slingshot threw us into the air, forcing us into flips. It was an exhilarating experience. Nights when we didn’t do these activities we would do things like watching movies at theatres close to the house and going out for coffee at nearby coffee shops. Deb was the best host mom ever! She did everything she could to make us feel at home and have as much fun as possible. I couldn’t have asked for anyone else to host me for this program.

After enough 5am wake ups for an hour bus ride to work and arrival time of 730, I switched to a different job, that only required one bus ride to work, at the Bright Beginnings Day Care! The staff are very sweet, and the children are even sweeter!  I am going to miss the kids terribly! My job included playing with the kids, helping with supervision, and helping prepare some
activities.

I am extremely proud to be an NYA participant! I am the only participant from Inuvik to apply for the Canadian program, and I will definitely recommend this program to anyone who is interested! I have worked many hours to gain these high school credits, and learnt a lot in the south. The NYA staff are the nicest people you’ll ever meet, they made me feel very welcome to this program, and made my homesickness pass quickly. NYA is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It had its ups and downs, but I couldn’t have asked for a better summer.

Rahabi preparing to go dragon boating

Hello, this is Rahabi Nattak – I’m a 2015 NYA Canadian phase participant. My host community is in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. It’s a very nice, little community. I volunteer at the Wolfville Children Center, I love working there. The children come up to me and ask for help or to play, and the teachers seem very happy that they have another helping hand. In my spare time I have been doing dragon boat racing. The team I participate with are called the Breast Quest. They do dragon boat racing in support and to raise money for breast cancer. I have enjoyed helping them out and love paddling. Wolfville is an awesome place. In the future I would like to come back and see how it has changed and see all the wonderful sights again. What I love about this little town is that it has a lot of history and wonderful sights. The best part about Wolfville are the chimney swifts, where a lot of birds fly into a chimney at dusk, which is pretty cool and lovely to watch.

Sincerely,

Rahabi Nattak

Hello to all the participants, my name is Karlene Isaiah and I’m from Fort Liard, NWT. I was a Canadian Participant for NYA in 2012. My host buddy was Valerie MacKenzie, who is here with me for the International Phase. We were both placed in Shawinigan Lake, BC. We experienced and learned so much, it’s amazing that we get to do it again here in Ottawa, ON. My work placement in BC was at Harlequin Nature Graphics Ltd. Our host family was good to us, they made sure we had something to do every week and introduced us to their friends and family.

The first week in Ottawa, ON at Orientation camp, we learned a lot about our group leaders are and what we’re going to learn and see in Guatemala. I am nervous and excited to travel outside of Canada as it will be my first time flying internationally.

Taking Construction and Spanish classes was so much fun for the 3 weeks that we’ve been here. The first few days of Construction was uneasy for me as I found out that I’m deathly terrified of the table saw. Nothing bad has happened it’s just loud noises that I don’t take too kindly to. Lol I thought construction wasn’t for me but I love it – but only the hand tools lol. Our construction teacher Craig and Spanish teacher Jackie were so patience and I’m thankful they took the time to teach us what they know. We made picture frames and dog houses which are going to shelters for dogs in need. Knowing that makes our work feel that much more special and satisfying. Spanish class was great, the classes always went by quickly.

Being here at Algonquin College has definitely laid all my anxiety and nervousness feelings to rest. We’ve all had to be responsible for ourselves. Waking up early, getting to class on time, making sure your assignments are done, etc. I’m looking forward to college this fall in Fort Smith, NT.

I am honoured to be an International Participant for NYA. It is truly life changing and it teaches you things that will help you through any challenge life has to throw at you. I recommend this program to every eligible person in Canada. I don’t want this program to end, it’s been so satisfying and I feel like our International group is not just close friends but family, and that’s what I want everyone to experience. The joy and love you receive and give back out into this world.

Gracias (thank you) for reading my blog and I hope you pass on the word in your community about how NYA has been so amazing in many ways to so many lives.

Karlene Isaiah from Fort Liard, NT, an International Participant of 2015. Buenos Noches.

Hello, this is Mickey Iqaqrialu from Arctic Bay, Nunavut. On June 26^th there were 4 of us that arrived in Ottawa, and then settled in at MEC (MacSkimming Education Centre). That night we went to watch a movie at the Cineplex. Chelsea, Jeff, Jamesie and I watched Jurassic World – I was so scared, I kept closing my eyes. Anyways, a day later everyone arrived in Ottawa on Saturday afternoon.

Couple days later we went to Rideau Hall and we met the Governor General of Canada, afterwards we met his dog Rosie, she was 14 months old. On June 30^th we went to a baseball game on my birthday. I would like to say thank you to the Northern Youth Abroad staff for taking us to the baseball game! July 1^st all of the International program participants went to the Canada Day celebration in downtown Ottawa. There was a lot of people downtown and it was raining so heavily in the afternoon that we had to go into the mall.

After the MEC we moved to Algonquin College. We took part in a work shop at Algonquin where we made frames. After that we learnt how to build dog houses. We then graduated from our program at Algonquin.

My placement is in Powell River, Bristish Columbia. There are beautiful landscapes and beautiful sunsets! It’s a nice little spot – we have a shopping mall, a movie theatre (happens to be the oldest theatre in BC) and a recreational centre. Home to the Tla’Amin people!

My work placement is at BOND (Babies Open New Doors) where I do various tasks, from organizing donated clothes to being at the CRC (Community Resource Centre) garden! I also have another work place, Family Place, in the mall. I mainly tend to the dishes and take out the compost, sometimes help with crafts, snacks, lunch on Wednesdays, and anything else!

I came here mainly to gain independence and leadership skills. I feel that I will accomplish my goals by the time we’re done with re-orientation.

My host mother is a single parent and her oldest daughter is 13 years old and has another daughter who is 9 years old, who spends every other week here. This family has never had NYA participants living here before, this is their first year! Me and my host buddy, Shannel share a room together.

Recently, we went to an event, ‘Tribal Journeys’, it was a great experience! I had the chance to experience their dancing and singing of the Tla’Amin and other cultures, I enjoyed it. There was also this Sea Fair that we got the chance to go to. It had rides, games and FOOD! It was pretty amazing.

Me and Shannel were on the radio here with one of our host mother’s friend’s radio shows! It was scary! But it’s nice to get our voice heard out here. People get a sense about where we’re from and who we are. We also went to a Pride day event! I found it interesting!

I have done things here that I wouldn’t have been able to do in the north, for instance, taking the bus. That was abnormal for me. I seriously could not remember when to request my stop on the bus!

I’m also not really open to trying new food, but this one night after the movies, we went to this Indian place across the street and I have to admit, I really liked it even though I had never tried it before.

My Northern Youth Abroad journey has been very interesting!