In 2021 when I was 16 years old, my science teacher, Richard, told me to apply to NYA so I decided to apply. I was accepted but I couldn’t go because of the pandemic. I was disappointed but applied again in 2022 and got accepted again! I started fundraising April to June but only made $500, but the NYA staff were able to help me figure out fundraising ideas which made me so happy!
On June 17, 2023, in the morning, I went to Rankin Inlet in Iqaluit for the first time. I saw the airport and I was lost but met Cameron and Christa at an Iqaluit restaurant and we quickly became friends. When we went to Ottawa, I got to meet the NYA Staff!
Ottawa is very hot and has lots of traffic and bugs. I did my presentation in front of the NYA participants, we played different games, and then the adventure really began! I was matched with Taniki and we flew to Edmonton to meet our host family, Kit and Dave. We started to get to know each other.
Kit and Dave were very impressed with all my traditional knowledge and culture. I tried to teach Kit throat singing. I also tried to teach Kit and Dave how to speak Inuktitut, my native language. On the weekend, we went to Fred Broadstock outdoor pool, Queen Elizabeth outdoor pool, we went shopping at the big mall, and to get groceries. We got haircuts on our third day here and I chopped off so much hair! We went to the Farmer’s Market and rode scooters. Dave and Kit threw me a birthday party on Canada Day. We invited people from my work placement and had a big BBQ. We played games and had cake. I had so much fun.
This week we have appointments to get piercings and on the weekend, we are going to the Telus World of Science and maybe Fort Edmonton Park. I really want to go to another pool that has a water slide.
I have learned so much already, including how to ride the bus.It was really scary at first but I stuck with it and feel more confident. I have felt very welcomed by the staff at the City Arts Centre. Ruth-Anne is my boss and she is so kind. I am enjoying helping the kids with their art projects.
-Rosanna
