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.
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.
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.
My name is Edie Rabesca, and I’m from Behchoko, Northwest Territories, which is also known as Rae-Edzo. Behchoko has the largest First Nations population in the NWT. It’s a place surrounded by lakes and stunning forests, but its greatest feature is a community united by language and culture. This summer, I’m participating in the NYA 2025 Canadian Program, something I’ve dreamed of for a while. Although I didn’t get in last year, I was accepted this year after completing my winter assignments. I am so blessed and thankful for this opportunity.
This summer, I was placed in Windsor, Ontario. When I first arrived, everything felt so big and loud compared to home. The heat was different, the streets were busy, and I felt like a tiny fish in a huge pond. We went to Niagara Falls, Point Pelee and the beach, we ate so much amazing food like Greek, Asian, Filipino, Indian and so much more.
I am volunteering at Hesman Athletics, which specializes in fitness training and overall wellness. On top of the gym benefits, they have all kinds of health professionals like naturopathic doctors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists, trainers who help people feel their best. The people there are so welcoming and supportive, and I’m learning a lot about how physical health, mental health, and healing all connect. Although I love helping people and learning new things, the first two weeks were some of the most challenging weeks I’ve experienced. I missed seeing my family, listening to my native language, the familiar scent of the lake and the quiet yet calm feeling of the bush. Some nights, I’d lie awake feeling alone, wondering if I could really do this.
However, things started to get better as time went on. My placement buddy, Millie-Anna from Baker Lake, Nunavut, has been like a light in the dark. We talk and laugh about silly things, explore the city, and try new foods together. One of my favourite memories is when two other participants who were placed in Windsor came over for dinner, and we were all playing with the hose. It was so cold that it kind of felt like home for a moment. We were all laughing so hard that my stomach felt sore, and we all fell to the ground. We had so much fun.
Orientation week helped me feel less alone. We went swimming, attended workshops, and met all the other participants, learning about their way of life. My host family has been incredibly kind, checking in on me and making sure I’m okay. Even though I still have moments where I miss home, I’ve started to see Windsor as a place where I’m growing stronger every day.
Working at Hesman Athletics has taught me patience and empathy. Some days are still challenging, but I remind myself that I’m here to learn, not just about my job, but about myself. This experience has shown me how resilient I can be, even when I’m far away from everything familiar. I’ve realized that being homesick doesn’t mean I’m weak; it means I love my home deeply. But it also means I’m brave enough to leave it for a little while so I can learn new things and bring those skills back with me to share.
To anyone thinking of joining NYA, it’s not always easy. You’ll probably miss home, and there will be days when you wonder why you came. But you’ll discover new sides of yourself, meet people who might become lifelong friends, and come back stronger and more confident than you ever thought possible.
Overall, NYA isn’t just about volunteering or travelling. It’s about becoming someone who believes in their own strength. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to see what the rest of the summer will teach me.
Hello, My name is Colleen Jar. I am from Coral Harbour, Nunavut, and I am seventeen years old. I am here on a program called Northern Youth Abroad, Canadian Program, and I am placed in Hamilton, Ontario, as my host community.
My placement buddy’s name is Alooq, and we are hosted by a mom with two little girls. I adore them, and they adore my placement buddy and me. Hamilton is known as ‘Steel City’ because of all the industrialization here, having a lot of manufacturing buildings. So far, I am loving it here. I have learned how to use the bus and train system, how to have more tolerance of the humid, hot weather, and how to plan things ahead of time. I have also learned how to distinguish the difference between trash, recycling and composting.
My work placement is Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg, and I love it here. Everyone is so kind and understanding, and I get to spend time with children by playing with them and having lunch with them while also supervising them. I have learned some new recipes in the kitchen while also keeping it clean, how to cook and cut certain things, and how to organize them for the children. In the classrooms, I usually spend time with the preschoolers and toddlers. They are so adorable, always so curious and little. I have learned how to talk with and treat children, and how to prepare food properly for them to eat, and what to do when they have their meltdowns. I have also learned about other Indigenous cultures, languages, and ways here in Hamilton, especially because of my workplace.
So far, I have gone to Niagara Falls, London, Manitoulin Island, and Crawford Lake, and Toronto. I have had fun in all places, having been shopping, swimming, and long car rides.
Niagara Falls, Ontario London, Ontario Manitoulin Island, Ontario Toronto, Ontario Crawford Lake, Ontario
In the end, I am hoping to build long-lasting friendships and connections with others and have had some cultural exchange during my time on the program. So far, it is going well, so I am very excited to see how it goes.
Hi, my name is Rebecca Black. I’m from Gameti, Northwest Territories. Gameti is located in the North Slave Region, specifically between Great Slave and Great Bear Lakes.
I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to participate in Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) in 2025. This is my third time being here. I completed the Next program in 2023 and also participated in the Youth In-Service. Over the years, I’ve met past and present participants, whom I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to meet.
This summer, I was placed in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s my first time being here in the city, experiencing new things and stepping out of my comfort zone. I got to explore a little bit while walking to my workplace. So far, it has been great! I’ve travelled to other Provinces before, but never in Nova Scotia.
My host mom, Michelle, has been amazing from the start, when I arrived. She supported me during these past weeks and helped me work on my assignments. She has three cats that are now mine for the summer. Their names are Gracie, Mango and Taro. Taro was a menace from the start. I’m volunteering at Parker Street, the Food and Furniture Bank. Where I learn from staff members and organize the food and bagging items. The people of Parker Street are truly kind and supportive of me while I work there. I didn’t get lost while riding the bus, only once, at the beginning when I started my placement.
These past few weeks have flown by so quickly that I can barely recall the time I spent here. I’m glad I got to spend this time with my host buddy Cadence Arnatsiaq, who is from Igloolik, Nunavut. We went mini-golfing at Halifax Putting Edge with my host mom’s friend’s daughter, who was very kind to take us. And so far, we’ve gone to Peggy’s Cove, where we met up with other participants, Mitchell and Joey. We also attended a Powwow together with an alumnus and a past participant. And went on a few BBQs. I went Kayaking in a lake. It was fun, but not when I dropped my paddle in the middle of the lake.
We went on a road trip to Prince Edward Island (PEI). Michelle took us to the Sandspit amusement park, where we met up with other participants. I really enjoyed going on the rides and having a great time there! I tried lobster and oysters for the first time at Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Suppers. I gotta say, oysters are not my favourite.
We recently took another road trip to Cape Breton. I got to see the Atlantic Ocean while hiking on the Skyline Trail, located at the top of a mountain. We also went whale watching, but didn’t really get to see any, but I did see seals. It was an amazing experience to have seen it in real life! Back home, we really don’t have any.
Cadence and I got to drive the boat for a little bit. It was overwhelming because of the waves, but it was kinda fun! I’d like to go back someday.
If it weren’t for my mentor, who has been helping me to prepare for this program. I wouldn’t get to experience my summer living on the east coast of Canada. One of the best memories I’ll cherish forever.
