Hi, my name is Rosalie Yukon, I’m a high school student at Chief Jimmy Bruneau School. I’m a young Tlicho woman from Behchoko, NT participating in the NYA Canadian program. I play soccer and volleyball with my school team, Warriors. Sports helped me find a purpose, and opened endless opportunities and new friendships. My school team showed me so much love and support, they helped me in so many ways and they don’t even know it. I took some lash extension courses and it’s something I want to pursue as my career. I’m really into beauty and want to be a part of the industry.
Right now I’m placed in Orleans, Ottawa with my placement buddy Natalie Joss. My volunteer placement is at the Chapel Hill retirement home where I escort elderly to activities we plan beforehand. I love hanging with the residents, they’re so interested in my culture and where I’m from. My experience in Ottawa changed my whole perspective on what my future holds for me. I don’t want to leave, this city life is my lifestyle. I can express myself however I want to and do activities that we don’t have up north. Overall I can see myself living in Ottawa after high school.
These past weeks staying with Natalie and my host parents, Tessa and Yann have been so much fun. We plan the week beforehand and do lots of activities. My host mom,Tessa, is so amazing. She leads an active and organized lifestyle, always staying busy but managing everything with ease. She’s incredibly supportive and always there when you need her. She’s young, beautiful and full of energy, which makes her a wonderful and inspiring presence in her home. She’s definitely someone I look up to. Same with her partner Yannick, he shares an active and supportive lifestyle, always loving and caring. We both really enjoy the same artist, Mac Miller, which is something special we connect over. He works as a carpenter in Niagara and also spends a few months each year doing underwater carpenter extraction. Although he’s only home every two weeks, he makes the most of his time with us and is a big part of the family.
NYA did an amazing job organizing this program. I love my placement home, workplace, and best of all my buddy Natalie Joss. Before leaving home i got an email of Natalie’s letter to me, we have nothing in common except that we have 5 younger siblings. She has 4 younger sisters and 1 brother, and I have 4 brothers and 1 sister which was a surprise. During the orientation it was awkward but now we are closer than ever. Now my day to day life revolves around her and wouldn’t change that for anything. She listens and supports me in every way. She’s easy going and always up for anything. We’re basically the opposite, I love anything beauty and fashion and she’s all about cars! But I think it makes us closer by learning different things about each other.
Living in Orleans, Ottawa is very family-friendly. It’s a suburban area with lots of parks, schools, shopping centers, and community facilities. The neighborhood is known for being safe and welcoming. There are plenty of outdoor activities nearby, like walking trails and sports fields, and well connected to downtown Ottawa by public transit and roads. Overall it’s a great place with a balance of city access and a quieter, community-focused environment.
I had challenges for years before traveling down to Ottawa. I want to give a huge shortout to my mentor, Michael Johnston! Mike has seen me through so many different times of my life. He stood by me, pushed me, and helped me grow into the better person I am today. He made a huge impact on many youths back at home, including his wife, Hovak Johnston. A big thank you for your support and encouragement.
