Hello Everyone, my name is Ts’ahlekea. I am sixteen years-old as of right now. I live in Fort Simpson, NWT. I am in the NYA Canadian Program. My buddy is Sarah Lee-Ci Gon. She is from Behchoko. We are placed in Ottawa. I have been enjoying Ottawa a lot. Like when I tried the bus; that’s something I never got to try before and now I have the hang of it; plus there is more varieties of food. It is nice and different kind of foods they provide in Ottawa.
We went to the Japanase Festival where I got to wear a Yukata and have my name written in Japanese. When the festival was ending my host Mom bought us a typical Japanese snack for us to eat and I bought an unsweetened Japanese green tea.
We went to the Parliament on Canada Day. I remember that day there were so much people. There I heard different kinds of music playing as I was walking. I got to see the snowbirds fly by and on top of us. When they announced the snowbirds, I thought they were talking about real birds. We went to watch the fireworks.
Where I am volunteering is called Ottawa Health Service Network Inc. (OHSNI). They connect residents of Baffin Island, Nunavut to the health and wellness services they need in Ottawa.
I went to the St. Laurent Shopping Centre and to the Rideau SC. I went to the Parliament, the museum, the pool and my work place.
The hard things I had to face was the get up early and keeping my room tidy.
My name is Madison Migwi-Mantla and I am spending my summer in Kentville, Nova Scotia. I came from a community called Behchoko and I live in Rae, about an hour’s drive away from Yellowknife. Behchoko’s population is almost 2000 now.
My host-parents are living in a duplex with my host mom’s family, and I am sharing a room with my placement buddy Anikan. My host family’s house is somewhat in the countryside. The neighborhood is surrounded by trees and fields. Me and my placement buddy have to get a ride from our host parents if we want to go somewhere as there’s no nearby buses we could take.
For my work placement I am working at Evergreen for Special Care. My co-workers were so nice to me while I was working there. My supervisor would introduce me to anyone that was in the area and would mention that I live in the Northwest Territories which was very nice of him to do.
During my first day Sheila, my co-worker, gave me a tour of the whole place and introduced me to her family member who lives at the residence. The best part of working there was meeting the residents who live there. They are all so sweet and kind. Most of the residents are polite and sometimes would compliment my outfits. Sometimes they would give me nicknames like “my darling” or “my dear.”
During our first days here, we went to see Inside Out 2 at the movies. At some point we went to Chester to have a spa day. It was the most relaxing place I’ve ever been to. When we went to Cape Breton for two days, we hiked at tourist spots in the rain, which kind of sucked but it had beautiful scenery and a great view of the ocean. It was my first time seeing the ocean. We went to Hall’s Harbour where I tried a lobster for the first time, and we gazed into the abyss of the ocean. I learned that lobster is not as expensive in Nova Scotia as it is in Yellowknife.
My host parent Marisa took us to Halifax for the weekend where we watched the Pride Parade. It was a cool experience to see everyone being supportive. When we made plans, we had to plan out our schedule and stick to it. I have had to wake up early and get to our destination on time, such as work and timed out activities. It was hard to adjust to the time difference for the first few days.
My placement buddy Anikan respects my privacy and is nice. My host parents are nice too. Ryan talks to me which I appreciate. Thanks to Northern Youth Abroad for this experience, and my mentor for his help to get here. Thank you to my host family for hosting me during my summer placement, and to my buddy. Thank you to the NYA staff for offering this program. I would definitely recommend NYA to other teens in the North!
Hi my name is Enosi Nashalik I’m 17 years old and I’m from Pangnirtung NU , and this is my first week in the south and it’s hot but so far I’ve been loving this place.
Today I got the learn a little bit about CPR things like if someone were to have a stroke and what to do or if someone was choking or in a cardiac arrest all those kinds of things helped me know what it actually feels if that were to happen in real life.
Back home where I live the temperature doesn’t get as hot like in Ottawa. I had to adjust to weather and the humidity. If was back it would only be like 7° or 10°, but here in Ottawa it goes up to 20° to 30° so it is very hot for me the first few days here, but I think I’ve adjusted to the heat. Also the day lights were different. There is 24/7 day light in the north where I live, and it felt weird being in the dark in the summer down south.
We had swimming lessons called “swim to survive”. It was my first time swimming and I think it went well. Today me and my group came close finishing our dog house, I’m really proud of my getting close to finishing the dog house.
A couple days ago we went to a obstacle course in 20° weather it was good to take a shower after the obstacle course. Today I’m going to see my sister for the first time in months maybe or even a year and that’s pretty exciting for me, and to her as well even though I don’t talk to her much I hope she misses me.
I had lots to see at the Bayshore mall, and the other day we went to the museum with my group. It had some amazing art and insects, and I held a stick bug but just for a bit.
Before I was going to Ottawa I met Jayko. At first I didn’t know him that well, but it was really nice of his dad to invite me to go have supper before we had to leave back in Iqaluit.
As the days went on here at the college residence and the trips we went on together, I’ve got to know him better and now he is a great friend of mine. I’ve made some new friends since I went here for NYA. Terrence is really good at construction in my group in trades class, he is really good at measuring. All the instructors are also really nice people.
Hi my name is Aliyah Komak, I’m from Cambridge Bay Nunavut. This is my first time being this far away from home for a long period of time. I’m loving it here so much. I have had the opportunities to learn about construction, swimming to survive and many more. I have made so much friends here, I learnt how to get out my comfort zone and letting my shyness hold me back was tough at first, but it opened in a whole new world of opportunities. Whether it was engaging with trying new activities, or simply striking up conversations with people I didn’t know, every moment pushed me to grow and learn. It’s incredible how breaking out of that shell can lead to unforgettable experiences and personal growth.
So, let me tell you about how I met this fun-loving, pretty friend who got me out of my comfort zone. It all started at a local event where we both happened to be. We just clicked instantly! Her vibrant personality and infectious laughter made it so easy to connect. In less than a week, we were hanging out almost every day, sharing stories, and creating new memories. She had this incredible way of encouraging me to try new things and step out of my comfort zone. Whether it was attending social gatherings, trying out new hobbies, she showed me the joy of embracing new experiences. It’s amazing how quickly we became close, and now I can’t imagine not having her in my life.
Let me share my experience with learning how to build in construction, figuring out how to use busses, and dealing with the heat all at once. It was a mix of excitement and nerves. The smell of sawdust and the sound of the tools coming to life in the shop created creativity and craftsmanship. As for the navigation busses, it was a whole new world for me. Understanding schedules and stops was a bit overwhelming at first, but with practice it became second nature. The heat can be so hot at times but I’m glad I chosen to come here.
Embracing the unknown, taking risk, and being open to new adventures. Trust me, it’s all worth it!
Hi, my name is Karla Qavavau and this is my second year with Northern Youth Abroad! I’m from Taloyoak, Nunavut and I’m was so excited to come back to ottawa for the second time.
I love this program, but I am so not used to constantly being on the move and practicing adulthood. On the brightest side, it helps you a lot with getting around campus and the city.
The program teaches you to budget, how to use the bus, your needs before starting college, and how to get around Algonquin College. I love staying at Algonquin, it’s nice and convenient, open 24/7 in case your door can’t open, friendly and helpful staff.
My most favorite part about this trip so far was when we went to the Marked Adventure park for an obstacle course, and the free time because I went to spend it at Hot Topic.
The most challenging part is always being on the move and trying to process what’s going on all at once. You will eventually get a hang of always being busy, cause obviously that’s what it’ll look like in reality.
I’m so happy NYA gives you this opportunity to face and practice adulthood and teach you how to be on your own away from your friends and family.
I’ve had a couple lows from missing home, but it didn’t stop me from trying my best to show up everyday, so I just kept trying. For those that are graduating, or just graduated, I really recommend taking this program to help you prepare for university or college and experience what that life is like. It’s very helpful and something to keep in mind before attending real university or college.
I love it here in ottawa, I wouldn’t leave, but I have to. But I’ll leave forever thankful for NYA and their staff. I look forward to my future after experiencing both NYA Canadian and NEXT program.
Hello, my name is Haileigh-Ann, and I am 17 years old. I am from a small community in the Northwest Territories called Tsiigehtchic. I and 14 other participants were selected for the Northern Youth Abroad Next summer program in Ottawa. This program is meant to give youth from the north an opportunity to experience life down south. In the program, you are meant to volunteer at different places and gain work experience through trades classes. You are also assigned different tasks as a group, like presenting our local communities and culture to places down south. The reason I am here is to get a better understanding of how the collage/university life would be. I’m also trying to get my grade 12 credits, so I can graduate high school in 2025 (woohoo!)
At first, I was really scared to travel away from home, and had the urge to cancel a few times. However, I reminded myself over and over again that I was more excited than nervous, and went through with my plan. I’m really glad that I didn’t cancel, because so far my experience has been a blast! I love hanging out with my group, and contributing to the group activities/assignments. My favourite trip so far was the swim to survive challenge. We had to do basic swimming lessons, and if we completed everything, we were given a certificate (I haven’t received mine yet, but that’s okay).
On July 15th, we volunteered at a local garlic farm and helped the coordinator, Mel Jones, harvest a whole row of garlic. Personally, I thought the garlic looked very similar to onions, and even mistook it as an onion a few times! The farm donates all of their money to support OCAPDD, and it made me feel good knowing that I was volunteering to help them out. However, the experience would have been extra amazing if there wasn’t a heatwave…
Something I’ve learned about the city so far is the humidity! I can walk out of the residence with my freshly styled hair and come back into the building with fuzzy, straight, greasy hair!
I miss a few things from home, specially my cute little dog named Nico, and my comfy cozy bed. We have to wake up by 8:45 and walk to our trades class, but personally I’m not very upset about it. I actually feel excited to wake up each morning and experience something new!
Hey I’m Kylar and I’m in Powell river BC, I got here on the 21st of June and I’m having fun where I am, the scenery looks amazing and wonderful! I honestly expected less greenery here, but I was surprised that Powell river is basically a secluded place, but still this place is amazing.
What I’ll be doing while I’m here is volunteer work experience and my summer assignments, where I’ll get my work experience is the BC SPCA which is a animal shelter, and for my summer assignments I’ll be doing that during my whole stay here, which will give me my high school credits.
So far, I went to a concert the first or second day while I was here. The concert was amazing! There were so many people there, and the music was cool. And there many different art/craft venders, as well food venders, and I have also been to a bunch more community events, and my favorite one is Canada day!
I have learned that there are more stores here than where I’m from, and more schools as well, and that kids in schools have more things to do in the summer when school is out. Also they have a farmers market and it’s cool!
Some things are different in the south than in my community. There are a lot more fences here than where I’m from, and I find that quite weird. Also there are more job opportunities and places to work – back in my community we only have few places to work.
A funny story that I have is that me and my friend always spend a butt load of money at anything we’re at, no matter what it is, we always spend some money before we leave. And at dinner time we always get into some kind of fight, but we still get along.
And in all honestly, this has been the most amazing trip I have ever been on, I don’t leave my home all that much, but to be this down south is amazing! And I’m having the time of my life down here! But I also can’t wait to go back home, while Powell river is amazing, I miss my home and 24 hours of sunlight.
My name is Sarah Lee-ci Gon and I was placed to stay in Ottawa!
I come from a community called Behchoko in the Northwest Territories, my community holds a population of 1,950. It is also the biggest community in the Northwest Territories!
My host mother Mariamanda stays in a house apartment with her neighbor Lucio. I had to share a room with my placement buddy, Ts’ahlekea.
The neighborhood is very hot and humid, it’s great for the beautiful plants that are planted around the neighborhood! My host mother and buddy went out for sushi on one of the first days.
During my stay in Ottawa, I am volunteering at Wabano Indigenous center. It is a fun and interesting place to be and work at. All the staff and workers say that they like working there. I don’t blame them, I really enjoyed my time volunteering there with them. One my first week, I got to paint chocolate and wrap them. The best part is that they let me take chocolate home to share with my host family. The pictures show my work/art on dark/milk chocolate.
Not only did I get to make chocolate, but I got to join the summer camps! I really enjoyed volunteering at the camps with the kids and staff. My job while at camp was to watch kids with safety and to follow the rules in the Wabano camp as to the place we are at. I really had fun doing it, the staff and supervisor let me have some too as I was with the kids. I went to Flying squirrel (an indoor trampoline/playground.) Calypso (Biggest waterpark in canada.)
So far, I have made friends with Ts’ahlekea! She is very nice and creative to be around with. My host mother isn’t what I expected at all, in a good way. They both are nice and Mariamanda tries her best to make me comfortable at my stay.
I got lots of volunteering hours and surprisingly spent my entire allowance on the first weeks, but I managed to save more now than the first weeks.
The thing I learned is to have a flexible schedule, anything could happen and change the schedule you are used to. I also learned a few things from the Inuit and Metis nations. It’s called smudging, it’s rude to take photos during the ceremony and I kinda forgot to take pictures afterwards.
The most important thing I learned so far is to save money! Everything is expensive here, you will need to manage your finances for your needs and wants.
Other than the things I learned. I noticed many things are different here in the south to the north, for instance, there is much more heat than in the north, plus HUMIDITY. All these different things make me want to go home. But instead of seeing the cons, I saw the pros. I noticed how different and clean it was. I like how people made it organized, for example, they have a system with recycling and garbage, there is even a plastic one!
Anywho, the best thing I did was when Mariamanda told me and Ts’ahlekea about a Japanese festival, I thought it was gonna be cool to check out the cool stuff they would offer at the festival. When we got there, it looked like the festival was set up in a gym. They had animals made out of paper, little games, little pots, jewelry, and Ukatas. It is exciting to wear yukatas with my buddy. We got to wear it for $10 and walk around for 30 minutes in it. My buddy got her name in Japanese, but I didn’t. They kinda took too long with my Yukata. I was kinda upset, but knew I would be able to someday if I came again. Either way, I was happy to be here in Ottawa 🙂
Hello! My name is Kelsey, and I’m from Whale Cove, Nunavut. I’m 16 years old and will be turning 17 on the 21st of September! First of all, I’m truly thankful for my mom for being there for me throughout this program. Her unwavering support and encouragement have been my rock, guiding me through challenges and celebrating my successes. Having her in my corner has made all the difference, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her presence in my life.
I’m also very grateful for NYA, my mentor, and my host family. I really appreciate my host family for welcoming us into her house and making us feel at home. She has been the best and is a lot of fun to talk with. Her name is Catherine, and she’s one of the nicest person I’ve met. She’s also very pretty. Catherine deserves the best in this world, and I know she is an amazing mother. She has 6-year-old twins. The twins love doing crafts! Like making bracelets, necklaces, and other things. That is one of the things I like about them—they make nice bracelets, necklaces, and stuff. They even made a long rope with the little rubber bands.
By the way, the food here is really good too! I got to try Teriyaki, which I’ve always wanted to try, and it’s amazing. Same with the steak and fries at Montana’s. I went to Montana’s with Mahasi in Winnipeg, before going to Ottawa, and I told Catherine about how good the food is. She let us go there for dinner with Jordon and David. It was great meeting up with them. I really hope to keep in touch with everyone as long as possible after this summer. Anyways, I’m very thankful for NYA for allowing me to experience what it’s like here and letting me try new things. The same goes for Mahasi; they helped me and have been really fun!
NYA has helped me gain a lot of confidence and allowed me to experience new things. I even overcame challenges I thought I wouldn’t be able to conquer. Although I’ve been behind on some things and need to improve. I haven’t really felt homesick, but I do miss my family and friends. Besides that, I’ve really loved my time here. The only downside is the heat—it’s too hot for me, especially since I’m from the North. Meeting everyone has been the highlight of my summer. I was very nervous at first and thought nobody would talk to me, but everyone turned out to be so nice.
My first impression of everyone was that they were cool and awesome, and they truly are amazing. My buddy Hailey and I had a blast at the VR experience, which was one of the best moments, along with visiting Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is very beautiful, especially when it’s lit up at night. I also went to Mississauga for a Jackalope event, and let me tell you, it was a blast! There was a skateboarding event, parachute jumping, break dance performances, motocross action, a thrilling bike competition, and so much more. It was an epic day filled with excitement! Another interesting thing is that the prices in the South are much better than back home. Everything is cheaper here, whereas back home, it’s really expensive.
This summer has been unforgettable, and I’m already looking forward to trying again next year. I’ll make sure to do even better and work harder next time. As for now, I’m still a little nervous, but I’m pretty sure I’ll overcome that by next year.
