Each summer, tourists from all over the world flock to Squamish for hiking, biking or simply for the views.聽
But for the past month, Squamish has been hosting two special visitors that are spending their summer vacations doing more than just sightseeing.
Adam Nadli and Stanley Mackenzie, from Fort Providence, N.W.T. and Ndilo, N.W.T., respectively, are spending one month in Squamish as part of Northern Youth Abroad鈥檚 (NYA) Canadian Program, volunteering at local work placements, educating Squamish residents about life in Canada鈥檚 far north and, of course, exploring their temporary turf. NYA is a charitable organization that provides travel opportunities and skills development to Nunavut and the Northwest Territories youth aged 15-20. The program has proven to be successful, with about 85 per cent of the program鈥檚 alumni going on to graduate high school 鈥� a far higher proportion than the territorial average of 35 per cent.
鈥淓valuation has shown that participating leaves participants more motivated to finish high school and go on to post-secondary, provides insight into their future goals, and increases their confidence,鈥� said NYA executive director Rebecca Brisson.
This year marks NYA鈥檚 19th year of programming, as well at its fourth summer placing program participants in Squamish.聽
鈥淪quamish is an ideal location,鈥� said Brisson. 鈥淲e look for communities that have a rich offering of things to do and see and a range of volunteer work opportunities for the participants. We avoid very large centres as most participants are from isolated communities of fewer than 1,000 people.鈥�
Nadli and Mackenzie, both of whom arrived on July 7, are staying with Squamish resident Ken Perry. This is Perry鈥檚 fourth year hosting NYA participants.
鈥淗ost communities are selected based on where we select host families,鈥� explained Brisson. 鈥淗ost families are vital. They provide a supportive environment where participants can grow and learn. Many participants experience significant homesickness and culture shock and the family is what provides a way to deal with this.鈥�
Nadli is volunteering at Canadian Tire鈥檚 auto centre, while Mackenzie is volunteering at the HotSpot Community Resource Centre. These full-time work placements aim to help program participants learn new skills, while providing an opportunity for northerners to explore potential career paths.聽
In addition to their placements, Nadli and Mackenzie are each expected to deliver presentations to their hosts communities about life up north, as well as complete a few assignments 鈥� including a scavenger hunt 鈥� to help them connect with their host community. 聽
But it鈥檚 not all work and no play for the pair. 鈥淭hey have been doing a lot of sightseeing, and enjoying the outdoors,鈥� said Brisson. 鈥淏oth have been going to the gym. They have also travelled to Vancouver and plan to visit Whistler.鈥�
鈥淏oth seem to be having a great time,鈥� she added.
Although stepping out of one鈥檚 comfort zone is never easy, Brisson said this process provides a significant boost in each participant鈥檚 confidence.聽
鈥淚magine you have never been on a bus, had a bank account, or lived somewhere where anyone is a stranger,鈥� said Brisson. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge adjustment. Through this very supported placement we help build resilience and the belief that they can do it. Also through travelling away from home, participants gain strength in who they are and where they come from, and what they want for themselves and their communities.鈥�
