Hi, my name is Kathy Sharky. I am from Kinngait Nunavut, also known as Cape Dorset. I am 21 years old. I was offered to go to NYA for the last 2 or 3 years but I couldn’t go because of the pandemic, and I had to finish the programs I was working on back home but 2023 I got to go to NYA and it has been amazing! 

I had to fundraise $1,500 so I did a dance night for youth at Sikusiilaq Community Hall. I also did grand in your hand and sold hockey pool. When we got to Iqaluit I met a couple people who were also attending NYA, and some of. Them were their first time in Iqaluit so I helped them with which way to go and when to check in.  We enjoyed our time there, we went swimming and did a little tour.  

I have travelled to many places in the past few years and its fun staying in Ottawa for the last couple weeks, I had only passed by 3 times before. I still have to get used to the weather in summer here down south. I have met amazing NYA Staff. DJ, Mahasi, Andrea, Patti, James, Kira, Alissa, Karen and Bec and so many more.  

I speak Inuktitut and it is my first language and I was teaching Andrea how to say yes or no with your eyebrows and nose. On the weekend we went shopping to Bayshore Mall and I finally got what I always wanted to get (helix piecing). A couple of NYA Participants and I with Andrea went to the Mission in Ottawa to go volunteer. The other Participants were cooking and serving food, and me and Andrea were getting rid of bad potatoes, lettuce, and onions – I did my best to not be scared of the bugs. Me and Andrea got along.  

Next, we went to the theatres to watch Insidious the Red Door and it was fun! We did a cooking class and we made what I was craving for! I’m learning what I always hope to learn outside of my hometown.  

Construction is the main thing I love to do, and I’ve learned a lot about blades and saws and cutting, measuring wood and much more.  

I’m proud of myself for attending NYA and learning what I need to learn to be prepared for college. All thanks to my Mentor, my boss for helping me so much with fundraising and assignments.  

– Kathy Sharky