I had the most amazing, wonderful time at the National Music Camp this summer!!! I had a chance to meet a lot of really cool people along the way that shared the same interests and passion for music. I learned many things throughout the program such as the basics of being creative with what notes to play on the spot during my musical improvisation elective, the different harmonies and vocal runs/patterns used for each vocal category (e.g. Tenor, bass, soprano, alto, etc.) to make a musical choir, as well as the different varieties of instruments used to make a song/composition sound the way it should and the different ways to make those sounds appealing to the ear. 

During my 7 day program, we were placed in a camp about an hour and a half away from Toronto, in a town called Orillia, the program was held in a very vast camp full of really great activities apart from the musical experience, activities like a trapeze net, archery place and a couple basketball courts here and there. In terms of the camp scenery, it was beautiful!!! The camp had many different parts where you could just sit down and admire the clear blue lake and the huge green trees, as well as pathways to different areas of the woodlands near the camp itself.  

The first couple days at the camp, I felt very isolated from the other boys In my cabin because I couldn’t relate to them as much as I wanted to or as much as the other boys could because of our differences in backgrounds and lifestyles, but as the days went by, I started to open up about where I was from and just opening up in general, we actually had a couple nights where we just sat down for hours talking about our feelings and just letting it all out, which if I am being honest, I don’t think I would have done without the help from the Canadian program. I got along well with everyone and I became so close with them, we are now all really great buds, each and every one of us!! We had so much fun together during the program, from the time we played baseball with a broom in our cabin, dancing to “careless whispers” outside, and singing Wonderwall in unison both in our cabins and even at the talent show. The boys of 43 (our cabin number) gave me so many great memories that I will never forget in such a short amount of time. The staff also did a really amazing job taking me under their arms and welcoming me into a very scary world I walked into for the first couple days, I am really grateful for that. They also did a really great job embracing our cabin energy and joined in on a couple of occasions. 

I would fully recommend this program to anyone willing to put in the hours to better their understanding in musical education. I really enjoyed my time at this program and I would like to thank NYA for not only giving me the experience I thought I could only dream of in the Canadian program, but to go out of their way to make sure I enjoy the music camp as much as I possibly could.

I really appreciate everything NYA has done from the bottom of my heart. I also want to thank my fellow NYA participants, as they have taught me how to be a more open person and have been there for me while I wasn’t feeling great about the situations I was put into, such as being homesick or feeling like I didn’t belong, they gave me the motivation and encouragement I needed to keep moving forward and I could not thank them enough for that; but I want to most of all, thank them for giving me memories that will last a lifetime. These 2 summer programs that I participated in through Northern Youth Abroad will forever benefit me in ways I could not comprehend to paper in terms of my future. Thank you all for my best summer yet!!!!! 

Hi, my name is Emerald Hatkaittuq and I’m from Gjoa Haven, Nunavut but I’ve been living in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories since 2019.

I meant to finish my blog during my participation in the Northern Youth Abroad Next program but I didn’t. So, I guess I can say that I’m an alumni now, pretty cool. The goal of the Next program is to give youth from Nunavut and the Northwest Territories a chance to prepare for college and kind of get an idea of what a college student’s day to day life is like. Which I’m very grateful for because I got to experience what that is like with the support of the NYA leaders and fellow participants. 

During my participation, we stayed at the Algonquin College campus residence in Ottawa. It was nice because College Square is right next to the campus, so shopping for clothes, snacks or going to Tim’s wasn’t a problem. We were placed in a construction class on campus from Tuesday – Friday where we got to build dog houses, including a picture frame. Outside of class, our schedule included assignments, sessions, workshops and volunteering. I got to volunteer at the Ottawa Mission where I cleaned and chopped vegetables but I left early because I ended up not feeling well. I did get to volunteer with Ottawa Riverkeeper where I got to pick up garbage at Centrepointe Park. If I remember correctly, they explained that the purpose of this organization was to prevent micro plastics exposure in the water and environment. It was actually fun, I’m hoping that I can do the same for my community as well. We also got to choose what we wanted to do for our Personal Learning Project, I chose sewing and art. A nice lady taught a few participants and I how to make a bag and properly use a sewing machine.

Other than that, we did get to explore the city during our free time. I got to go to the Rideau Center and Bayshore Mall, which I loved because I love shopping. We walked across the bridge to Quebec and saw the Canadian Museum of History. I got to see Parliament Hill, ride a double decker bus, and train for the first time. We also got to go to Buskerfest and Sound & Lights. My favourite was when we went to the National Art Gallery, I didn’t get to see everything because I stayed in the Canadian and Indigenous section where I got to see a lot of Inuit artifacts. 

I loved every part of this program! If I could do it all over again, I really would. I think the highlight of my summer was during Re-Orientation. I got to climb the high ropes 3 times. The first time I only made it to the second last one. My second try, I made it to the middle and my third try I made it to the top! I was so proud of myself. A year ago, I don’t think I would’ve been able to do that. I also made friends with people I’ve gotten close with over the summer. I miss them a lot. You all have a very special place in my heart. 

I also want to give a big thank you to the NYA staff for giving me this opportunity and for taking good care of us. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. 

Thank you for reading! 🙂

My highlight of this simmer was my Personal Learning Project. It was going to the culinary arts (cooking) with a couple of other Participants. We got great tips from a chef who taught us how to handle a knife properly, different cutting board tips to prevent food borne illness, and what flavours go well while cooking.

I also have met amazing people this summer, and have had a lot of fun. Another highlight of my summer was leading a learning activity of traditional Inuit and Dene games. I found like these activities helped me feel connected to my culture.

Hi, my name is Jayanna Wedawin and I am from Gamètì, Northwest Territories. I was accepted as a participant in 2020 but couldn’t go because of the pandemic. I’ve been enjoying NYA Next so far. It’s a good experience for someone wanting to go into post-secondary. It’s a really hands-on experience.  

We’re currently taking a construction class at Algonquin College, where they’re teaching us how to build a doghouse. I’m enjoying class so far because we’re able to learn from our mistakes and do better next time.  

I also got to take a cooking class at C’est Bon, which I loved. I’ve been really into cooking and was considering going into culinary arts after high school.  

I feel like NYA Next has helped me prepare for college, I’m glad I got this opportunity.  

Jayanna  

Hi my name is Suupi Idlout and I’m from Resolute NU and I am in Ottawa right now for NYA Next after waiting two years, this group of 2022 is the first group to attend after the lockdown by covid. To be truly honest with you guys I didn’t think I would be here right now but I am and I’m proud of myself. The Participants all work well with each other, we are from Nunavut and NWT. 

We got here July 6, 2022, and everyone else came in really late, they must have been so tired. We are staying at Algonquin Residence; it is my first time staying in college dorms. So far, it’s nice, the residence building is huge it has more room than people in Resolute. There is so much walking and time management. We have to figure when to leave to reach our destination on time.  

We all are going construction class as a group and we made dog houses and we are donating it to humane society and we volunteering at different places. I volunteered at the Ottawa Mission soup kitchen and at Riverkeeper.  Others volunteered at Bottle Works and Furry Tales. At The Mission there are different things that you can help with, but I helped bagging non-perishables groceries for people in need and others helped in the kitchen like opening canned goods and cutting veggies. With Riverkeeper we went to Centrepointe Park to pick up garbage to prevent microplastics in water.  

I was excited for construction and all the activities, but I had to isolate for a week. I didn’t get the chance to build the whole dog house, but I put on shingles/roofing and I loved that. I missed out on swim to survive and going to the beach and I wanted to be in the water but a few days before we went, I caught covid. I had cabin fever by the time I was done isolating and the first thing we had free time, I went to see my dad and my sister. Another time we went to the beach just to watch volleyball and there was a concert there and I had a great time.  

Hi, my name is April Marie Beaulieu. I’m 22-year-old person from Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories. I’m a participant of Northern Youth Aboard, with the Next program. I have a reason why I said ‘person’ and it is because I’m a genderfluid person. 

I applied to be a part of Next back 2019 and was about to travel in 2020, but then the pandemic happened, and I was put on hold for two years and had short time to fundraise but I still made it happen before travelling to Ottawa. This is my second time being in Ottawa since 2018, when I travelled with the Canadian program. 

I’m thankful to be a part of NYA this year because I always wanted to experience life at college before starting to apply and head to college in 2023. I enjoyed my time living at Algonquin College and living in the residence with a roommate. I’m getting used to the city life, for example, taking the bus, trains, walking around downtown and how to budget. 

I did struggle in construction class, but before this I did not have knowledge of power tools, measurements and making a doghouse. However, I did learn by watching the teacher, taking it slow and fixing my mistakes. Knowing the doghouses that we are building will be donated to another organization, I’m happy and proud of myself with the work I’m doing and contributing to a good cause. I was also struggling with the heat since it was something I’m not used to or the tons of walking in one day. 

During our free time, we get to explore the college campus and the college square which is an area full of stores. I’m already getting my way around this campus, maybe considering it to be the college I go to for upgrading next year. I’m gaining new skills because of this program and also learning about other Indigenous cultures. 

With NYA Next, this does help me feel and get ready for the future when I go into further education. My goal is to go for upgrading but also to a college to be an educator for children. I hope when others apply to this program, it will help them know what they want in the future like I know what I want to thanks to NYA.  

Mashi Cho (Thank you), 

April Beaulieu 

Hi, I’m Richard Iyago and I live in Baker Lake, Nunavut. I’m retaking grade 12 English, then I’ll be able to graduate. When I first started NYA, I was wondering what all the participants, staff, and placement workers would be like. I was wondering that because the way people treat me is a big part in my life. I also wondered what my work placement would be and where I would be going, which made me feel nervous but exited. This would be the longest I’ve been trip I’ve been away from home and family.

When I went to Ottawa for NYA orientation, the people there made me feel comfortable, when I was feeling insure about my choice in the program. When we went to the camp, it was hot and humid most of the time. While at camp, there were a lot of bugs which I didn’t like. My favourite part of being at camp was meeting all the participants.

Squamish was my placement community; it’s very different then Baker Lake. Squamish had big mountains and lots of trees while Baker Lake has no trees and small hills. There were tons of concrete in Squamish while in Baker, there isn’t a lot of concrete. While I was in Squamish, the large amounts of trees unnerved me a little because they blocked my vision and there were a couple beware bear signs around.

Day-to-day life for me in Squamish was to wake up at 7:00am to get ready for work. Be out the door by 8:10am to catch the bus. If I had time, get a snack and coffee from a nearby gas station. Be at work by 9:00am. Lunch was at 12:00pm. Get back to work by 1:00 pm. Work until 4:00pm then go to the bus stop by 4:18pm.

There are highlights to being in Squamish. The first highlight was going on a big 14-person canoe for a couple hours. Another highlight was going to Britannia Mining Museum where I learned how the miners worked in those tunnels, and the lights and equipment that were used. The last highlight was taking a hike that was about 3 hours to a nearby lake named Edith Lake.

Richard

Hello, my name is Quinten Ross, and I am from Hay River, Northwest Territories. My work placement is in Squamish, BC, which is about an hour’s drive from Vancouver, BC. There, I work at the Squamish Public Library. So far, I’ve spent most of my time there assisting my work supervisor with small tasks such as tidying the bookshelves, locating unwanted novels from the bookshelves and discarding them from the local library system, and helping the Summer Reading Club staff. My supervisor at the library has been so kind and thoughtful, and the other amazing staff have treated me just like the rest of the team, which I appreciate so much. As well, I have enjoyed the pace and quiet, and the sense of independence my work placement has offered, as it has allowed me to work at my best and remain comfortable while living abroad here in southern Canada

Here in Squamish, I live with a host family, Ken and Justin Perry. They’ve hosted northern youth during the summer about 7 times before, so they’re comfortable with the Northern Youth Abroad Canadian program staff and participants. They live on the edge of the hill here in the highlands, north of downtown Squamish. The first thing that caught my eyes cruising around this area through the highlands were the amazing properties and beautiful views down the hill of downtown Squamish; I can see why living here is so costly. Ken and Justin have taken us (my placement buddy and I) to many places, including hikes around the Squamish area, a road trip to Whistler where we visited the Lil’wat and Squamish Culture Centre, a rowing trip with Takaya Tours on the traditional sovereign territory of the Tsleil Waututh People (Deep Cove), and to restaurants where I tried different delicious foods, including an amazing seafood crepe from Crepe Montagne in Whistler. I will for sure have to visit this restaurant again in the future. One of the many things I will for remember the most are the precious and adorable baby raccoons who continuously showed up in the backyard! My host family likes nature, especially the wild birds and animals they feed (like the raccoons)

Thanks for taking the time to read about my experience so far!

Sincerely,

Quinten

Hello! My name is Debbie Ann Mannilaq, I am 19 years old, and I am from Taloyoak Nunavut, which is the northernmost community on Canada’s mainland.

I am currently a participant in the Northern Youth Abroad Next program. Within the NYA Next program, we live in the experience of the Algonquin College residence, we’ve learned how to register for a college program we may be interested in, took a construction class, we’ve learned how to bus our way around the city, worked on time management, how to work as a team and many more skills and knowledge I’ll use in the future. As a group, there are 13 participants, all girls with one guy which may seem weird, but it can actually be very funny sometimes. We have our group leaders Mahasi, Nicole, Patti and we’ve also had Lis but she had left a while ago to work in the office. Anyways, they’ve all been so great and have been keeping us very well.

Over the last 4 weeks, on a day-to-day schedule we’d have construction class every morning from Tuesday to Friday. Within the first two weeks, we were building dog houses that will be donated to animal shelters. On the days we weren’t having construction class, we would have sessions, assignments, volunteered at The Ottawa Mission and bottle works. We also cleaned up garbage at Centre Pointe Park to prevent the spread of micro plastics in the waters and its surroundings. We toured the Nunavut Sivuniksavut College and Carleton University which I found very interesting. A couple participants and I worked on our personal learning project at Furry Tails in a pet smart store. Furry Tails are a place for cats that can be their home until they are adopted or taken when they’ve been abandoned. Even though we’ve just hung out, played with the cats and asked questions about them, I had such a fun time there.

We’ve walked pass the Alexandria Bridge to go visit the Canadian Museum of History in Quebec, watched movies at the Cineplex Cinemas, went to the Fun Haven arcades, rode buses and trains to the downtown city, we passed through and seen the Parliament Hill. My favourite activities were going to the beach, swimming, and mall shopping! I also really enjoyed exploring the city itself.

Down to our last week here, I’ve unfortunately tested positive for covid, so I am isolating with my room mate Shana, who also has covid. We’ve been doing really well, and she’s been very nice and welcoming! I’ll miss her and the rest of the group. As much as I’ve missed home, family, dealt with cultural shock and struggled with the small touch of living college life, I can see myself in the next couple of years working up to my post-secondary education. NYA has been such a great way to give me experience within living in a city, campus life and generally given me the opportunity to travel, which I love doing, far away from home, it is a great program to travel, learn, share and creates memorable times in your young life. So, for anyone afraid or hesitant, just as I once was, to put themselves out there, do it! Whether it is applying for a program, college, or anything that scares you, know that you can or you tried.

Thank you, for taking the time to read my blog 😊