Hi my name is Cadence Arnatsiaq, I am from Igloolik, Nunavut. I am honoured to be in the Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) 2025 Canadian Program. I applied in October 2024 and was so excited to be selected for this year’s cohort.

This summer, I was placed in Halifax, Nova Scotia—a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Currently, I have three cats as pets: Gracie, Mango and Taro. Being in Halifax has been amazing. I’ve enjoyed exploring a new environment, meeting new people from different backgrounds, and learning more about life outside of Nunavut. I’m especially thankful to my mentor for supporting me. 

I’m volunteering at Dalhousie University with the SuperNOVA kids camp, where I learn from both instructors and the kids themselves. It’s inspiring, and I’m earning high school credits through the program. Taking the bus each day gives me time to listen to music and reflect.

I’m also grateful to share this experience with Rebecca Black from Gameti, Northwest Territories. We’ve gone on walks and recently started playing basketball together. Building friendships with other participants has been one of the best parts of this journey. 

So far, we’ve visited Peggy’s Cove, gone to a few BBQs, attended a powwow and gone on a road trip to PEI — my first road trip ever! I tried oysters and lobster for the first time and visited the Sandspit amusement park. We also visited Anne of Green Gables and went glow-in-the-dark mini golfing here in Halifax — another first time for me! When we went to a BBQ near a lake, we met up with a couple of other NYA participants, Mitchell and Joey, and an NYA alumnus. We went kayaking, a little boat trip where I caught my first Bass, and swimming — another first time for me, swimming in a lake. The warm weather took some getting used to at first, but over time, I’ve adjusted and actually come to enjoy it. This experience has been unforgettable. I’ve learned so much, stepped out of my comfort zone, and created memories I’ll never forget.