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.