Indigenous Youth Travel Abroad to Gain Work Experience

Over the past 40 years, hundreds of Indigenous youth have participated in Canada World Youth’s unique programs, including Pathways to Indigenous Youth Leadership.

A part of the Government of Canada’s International Aboriginal Youth Internships Initiative, this program is designed to help First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples (ages 17-35) strengthen their leadership and employability skills while also making a positive impact in the world.

The internship runs for six months, four of which are spent abroad. The other two months are divided into pre-departure orientation focusing on health and safety, career development, traditional teachings and other important subjects; reintegration and reflection; and working at home to submit two public engagement activities and a presentation on the experience.

21-year-old Donald Alook (Tall Cree First Nation, Alberta, Canada) was one of 33 Indigenous youth who had the opportunity to travel to Peru last year.

Alook was sent to Huaylas, a small Peruvian community of about 2,000 people located in the north-western side of the country. There, he spent four months helping the community by planting gardens, building ecological kitchens and engaging the community in activities, such as teaching En

glish to local youth, playing tug of war with high school students and showing kindergarteners how to brush their teeth.

Alook was struck by the warm welcome his group received, saying they were “greeted with open arms” by their host families and the community as a whole.

“Even though there was a language barrier, we still managed to have fun,” said Alook. “We would go watch the games every weekend, where they have volleyball and soccer tournaments from October to December. Every neighbourhood in Huaylas would compete; it felt like the whole community was there.”

In addition to the local development initiatives, youth also participated in creating workshops based on Indigenous rights, environment, gender equality and governance to present to the local communities.

“[Donald Alook] came in very quiet and nervous, and after a couple of months it was a complete change,” commented program manager Tina Goodin. “We visited the Canadian Embassy reps in Lima and I was asking for volunteers to speak about the experience, and he was the first one to volunteer to present. I am so amazed by the transformation he had in just four months!”

While he truly appreciated the trip, Alook was glad to return home after a busy four months. “I feel really good about what we achieved in that time,” he said, “and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have been able to help make a difference.”

CWY is currently accepting applications for 2020-21. Indigenous youth (ages 18-26) who have completed high school but have not yet completed post-secondary studies are eligible. To learn more about the program and to apply, visit

Donald Alook