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ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD - Stevie Nande has broken new ground for the youth of Fort Liard.

This summer Nande, 17, was the first person from the hamlet to participate in the Northern Youth Abroad Program.

"I just wanted to meet other youth," said Nande about his motivation.

As part of his Northern Youth Abroad Program experience Stevie Nande of Fort Liard, left, visited Niagara Falls together with Donovan Simpson of Whati and Danielle Millette, a member of Nande's host family. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Nande joined 29 participants from across NWT and Nunavut in the Canadian phase of the program. During this phase participants complete a six-week volunteer work placement in another community while living with a host family.

After a five-day orientation in Ottawa Nande spent all of June in Port Elgin, Ont. on the shores of Lake Huron where he volunteered in the South Hampton Art Gallery.

During the application process Nande had asked to be placed with an art-related organization.

"I wanted to learn to do other art," he said.

Nande wants to take further training in the fine arts. He's already an accomplished artist and has recently taken an interest in acting.

At the gallery Nande assisted customers, hung art pieces and did small maintenance tasks. He also learned about art techniques he'd never seen before.

"They just grab anything and try to make it look artistic. It was neat," he said.

Nande said he also enjoyed staying with his host family and going on trips to Niagara Falls, Canada's Wonderland and the African Lion Safari.

Back at home in Fort Liard Nande is spreading the word about the Northern Youth Abroad Program.

"The program was like a life-changing experience for me," said Nande.

Before he left Nande described himself as being shy and quiet.

His new found confidence is readily apparent to those who know him.

The program also promotes sharing cultures. By listening to other participants speak about their cultures Nande said he gained a new appreciation for his own.

During the program Nande also learned what he's capable of.

"I learned you can do anything if you just work hard," he said.

For completing the program Nande received eight high school credits. He's now planning to apply for the International phase of the program that sends participants to sub-Saharan Africa. This year's participants bonded so well they all want to get back together for the next phase, said Nande.

The Northern Youth Abroad Program is entering its twelfth year in Nunavut and its fifth in the NWT. Staff are putting a lot of energy into getting participants from communities that haven't been involved before, said Rebecca Bisson, program director.

Northern Youth Abroad is designed to allow youth to experience another culture while sharing theirs. It gives the youth job experience and also allows them to build their independence.

"The personal growth and development as young leaders is astonishing," said Bisson.

The best spokespeople for the program are the alumni and Nande is doing a great job, she said. He was a dedicated member of the program and a fantastic ambassador for this community, Bisson said.

"This is one step on the path of a very, very bright future for him," said Bisson.