Two youth from the Northwest Territories have been enjoying their time in Powell River as part of the Northern Youth’s Abroad (NYA) Canadian program—a charitable organization, sponsored in part by the Government of Canada as well as the governments of Nunavut and Northwest Territories, providing travel and skills development opportunities to northern youth aged 15 to 22.
This is the third year Powell River has hosted youth from the program, which is intended to foster leadership, cross-cultural awareness, career goals and also offers up to nine high school credits.
“The program gives youth an opportunity to travel away from small remote communities and build confidence by living away from home,” said Rebecca Bisson, program director.
Allison Apples, 16, and Shannel Landry, 15, both from North West Territories are enjoying the hot dry summer in Powell River—spending much of their time taking in new sights as well as volunteering full-time.
“I’m kept pretty busy organizing and helping out,” said Apples, from Gamèti a town of just over 300 in the North Slave Region. She has been volunteering with Babies Open New Doors, a program for expectant mothers and or those with new babies.
Apples, who is entering grade 12 next year, said she sees herself working in the medical profession in the future, perhaps as a doctor or nurse.
“What I liked most about being in Powell River was seeing the tribal canoe journey and meeting people from southern first nations cultures,” said Apples. “Back home only the men drum or sing, so the culture is really different here.”
“Well, women back home can drum,” said Landry, who has been volunteering her time at MCC Thrift Store. “They just need to have their own drum and not use the men’s.”
Hosted locally by Courtney Harrop, when they aren’t volunteering both young women enjoy riding their bikes around Powell River and taking the occasional swim in Powell Lake.
Landry, heading into grade 10 at her school in Fort Providence, a town of just over 700, hopes to be a pilot.
“I want to save up my money so I can come back and attend to Texada Aerospace Camp,” she said.
Apples and Landry will be in Powell River until August 6.
