Hi!

My name is Helen, and I am from Fort Liard. Some of my favorite hobbies are listening to music, spending time with my friends and family, socializing, and snowboarding during the winters. I enjoy trying new things and exploring new places, which is one of the reasons I decided to join the NYA program this summer.

The NYA program gives northern students the opportunity to travel to southern Canada, gain hands-on work experience, continue their education, and learn more about themselves. I joined because I wanted to explore different career options and start thinking about what I want to do in the future. Although I wasn’t completely sure which path I wanted to take after school, I knew this would be a great opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, experience something new, and grow as a person.

This summer, I have been staying in Hamilton, Ontario, with my host family, Jeneka and her daughter, Tsuanna. They have been incredibly kind and welcoming. Being away from home can be challenging at times, but they have helped me feel comfortable, supported, and included. I truly appreciate everything they have done to make my stay enjoyable.

For my internship, I have been working at the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre. It has been an amazing experience because I have had the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and see how the organization supports the community. Everyone has been friendly and welcoming, and I have enjoyed learning from the staff while gaining valuable hands-on experience. This internship has helped me build confidence and given me a better understanding of what it’s like to work in a different environment.

Outside of work, I have had the chance to experience so many things that I had never done before. I visited shopping malls, tried a variety of restaurants, and attended concerts with great live music. I also went to a summer music festival, which was a lot of fun and gave me the opportunity to experience something different. One of my favorite experiences was attending a powwow, where I enjoyed the dancing, singing, and the strong sense of community. I also went to a pool party, which was a fun way to relax and spend time with others in the program. To celebrate Canada Day, I watched the fireworks, and it was a great way to end the evening.

One of the best parts of this experience has been meeting people from different places and learning about their cultures and life experiences. It has been interesting to hear everyone’s stories, make new friendships, and create memories together. Every day brings something new, whether it’s learning at my internship or exploring Hamilton and the surrounding area.

As the summer continues, I look forward to meeting even more people, trying new experiences, and learning as much as I can. I hope this opportunity will help me gain a better understanding of the career I want to pursue in the future. Even though I don’t have all the answers yet, I know this experience is helping me grow, become more independent, and build confidence in myself.

I am incredibly grateful to be part of the NYA program and thankful to everyone who has made this opportunity possible, especially my host family and the staff at the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre. This has already been an unforgettable experience, and I am excited to see what the rest of the summer has in store for me.