Hi, my name is Peyton Simba, and I’m from Kakisa Lake, Northwest Territories, a small community of 40 people in the Dehcho region.
It’s been quite a few interesting weeks on the NYA program. Starting at the camp where I met some amazing people, where I will know them for a long time. The staff then prepares us for what we can expect and what we will be working on. The staff at the NYA have been the best. Then my host family took my buddy and me into their house for us to learn and gain work experience, and so on. Showing us how to get around Ottawa for work and what we wanted to do. They have been the best people that I could’ve asked for. I am grateful to my host family for teaching me how to navigate the bus system.
Being in a new place is also fun. Work has been good, as I learn new skills every day, which I can then bring back to my community. I was working at a Thrift Store on the east side of Ottawa for five weeks. It’s a busy place, and a lot of donations come in. I sorted clothes, worked at the jewelry counter. Mahsi (thanks) to my supervisor and coworkers for training me.
Ottawa has been an interesting place, with new sites to explore and so on. My favourite parts were meeting new people at the Thrift Store and spending time at the gym and swimming pool. I enjoyed watching the fireworks on Canada Day and the performances by the singers during the concerts.
My advice for other youth in the NWT is to apply for NYA. First, it will be really hot down south, and you will get homesick, but I encourage you to be mentally ready for the work you will be doing, being ready on time, and working long hours at your workplace. NYA is a great program for youth to learn new skills that they can bring back to their community to help other youth deal with whatever challenges they face at home.
My name is Ernie Lyall & I am from Taloyoak, Nunavut. I have been living at Algonquin Residence for a month, learning new things about college, and I have enjoyed it. We did trades school here in Ottawa, trades was the highlight of my summer I did Welding, Automotive and Construction, I got to learn how to weld, work on cars and I got into construction which I didn’t like we built dog houses. I learned a lot of new opportunities while living in Ottawa Ontario for a month I found new jobs and what college offers after I am done high school.
I did a lot of volunteering while in Ottawa, which was for Hope Volleyball. They raised money for charities. We were setting up volleyball nets at the beach. I volunteered at the food bank, distributing food to those in need. I also picked up garlic at a farm, which raised money for charity. We also participated in group activities, watched a soccer game, gave group presentations, and took campus tours at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. My time at Algonquin College has solidified my interest in becoming a mechanic and welder after completing high school. I plan to apply to Algonquin College’s Automotive Trades program.
I encourage anyone considering post-secondary education to apply for NYA; it’s incredibly beneficial for learning about campus life, residence, and future educational opportunities. Being away from home can be challenging, but the experience is well worth it.
Hi! I am Cinquasha Smith, and I am from Whati, Northwest Territories. Whati is located 164 km northeast of the territory’s capital, Yellowknife. It is about a 3-hour drive.
During my time with the NYA Next Program, I accomplished many things. I could say I am experienced in different fields of trade. One of the many things I was able to do was a PLP (Personal Learning Project). I wasn’t exactly sure what I’d like to do. I thought it would be fun to challenge myself and do some things on the lake. However, when the time came, I did not want to be doing too many physical activities outside, as we were already doing things as a whole group. The heat here is also no joke!
My personal learning project initially involved rowing, but I later changed it to cooking. I attended a private Chinese cooking class with two other participants. I chose cooking because I enjoyed a culinary class we attended earlier this month, and it made me realize how much I love the culinary arts. During the class, we made three different dishes: bibimbap, bulgogi and spicy tofu stew. The class made me realize how easy it can be to make tasty meals in other cuisines with just a few ingredients. I was able to bring back printed recipes of each meal and will, most definitely, make them again!
I grew up watching my mom’s side of the family cooking. My mom, with six kids at the time, made homemade meals from scratch. Growing up, she would teach us to bake and cook from a very young age. Watching and learning how to cook delicious food had sparked in an interest in my siblings and I. Today, we continue to cook and also teach the younger children within my family how. I hope to continue cooking and also spark an interest in cooking for the younger generation, just as my mom did for us.
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.
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.
