Hello everyone,

I’m Wyatt Daniels Nitsiza from Behchoko NWT. I’m a participant of the NYA next program. I waited a couple years to do this program and I am so happy that I decided to go.

It’s amazing that they bring people from the North and prepare them for life in the south.

I learned so much while I’ve been here and have experienced so much in the short time I’ve been here.

I do not regret coming here at all, but I do miss my home and family deeply.

Everyone I’ve met have been so nice and I’m happy I was able to meet all these people.

I registered in two courses which are cooking and construction classes. In cooking class, I learned how to make salsa for chips which were good, and we made cookies. Making those inspired me to continue cooking and baking just like my grandfather. For construction class, we made a picture frame and a stool but also made small dog houses. Building and making things are fun so I plan to make more things when I am home. I’m learning other skills as well during the time I’ve been here. I’m learning how to get better at my time-management and budget better. Learning more about life here has been nice as well as learning how public transport is like and college life. I am also learning more about myself and everything we have done set a spark within me which makes me want to do more. I feel more prepared for life.

I’ve made memories that’ll last me a lifetime and bonds that I hope will last. I’ve done so much here that I wouldn’t have dreamt of just a year ago, let alone a few years ago. I feel so much pride in myself for doing this and trying. Everyone I met have been awesome and so cool to meet. To learn more about their cultures and way of life were so fascinating. I was also very happy to show off parts of my culture. It made me appreciate cultures and the World even more.

I feel so grateful for everything I got to do so far. I’ve pushed my body so much during my time here every day, but I would do it all over again if it meant reliving this experience. I feel so happy to have done this and to grow as a person. I may not show it or say it, but I appreciate every single person here. I was so afraid and nervous to come here, and I still am but I am so glad I came here.

I’m happy.