Testimonials
"I am so grateful for Engage North and my experience in Yellowknife. I have grown so much more than I expected at the beginning of the summer. I can't express how beautiful and welcoming Yellowknife is and the deep sense of belonging I experienced. This isn't your typical internship; this is an opportunity to expand your definition of what it means to be Canadian. I can't recommend applying enough."
- Rachel Bates, Yellowknives Dene First Nation Community Garden and Environmental Education Intern, 2018
"Through this internship, I was able to experience a completely new part of Canada and I've fallen in love with the north! Living and working in the Hamlet of Pangnirtung has changed my views and broadened my perspective in many ways. Everything from where I want to live in the future to research I may want to do has been influenced by my summer in the north. I can't wait to go back!"
- Yashashwinee Parmar Pangnirtung, Nunavut, Waste Management Planning Engage North-Graduate Student Internship Program (GSIP) Intern 2018
"If I were to describe the Engage North program to a friend, I'd say it contributed to how I can be a better Canadian and global citizen. I'd also show the pictures I've taken along my internship and explain how much fun I had. As an intern in your host community, it really is up to you on how you want to leave a positive impact. If you love being immersed in another culture and learning about different traditions, Engage North is for you. Whether you're in sciences, social work, or in the arts, the youth and community will be interested in what you do and will want you to share your qualities. You'll gain leadership skills, communication skills and awareness of Indigenous history and dynamics that exist today."
- Jessica Somera, Dene Tha' First Nation, Youth and Recreation Intern 2018
"I have never felt or understood a sense of community as I have experienced here in Boyer. Some of the most generous and talented individuals I have ever met live here on a Beaver First Nation reserve. Reserve life is different from what I have ever experienced and I know I am a better Canadian and a better person for my time here, this has been eye opening and something I will assuredly carry with me for the rest of my life."
- Emily Quecke, Beaver First Nation Lands and Consultation Intern, 2016
"My expectations were blown out of the water during my summer spent with the inspiring community leaders of Beaver First Nation and the absolutely amazing staff at Engage North who taught me valuable insights into cultural sensitivity. (These experiences) have shaped me both personally and professionally as I have learned valuable lessons that have broadened my understanding of the world and forced me to question my core beliefs. I had the opportunity to learn about Canadian history, experience another culture, and hear a different perspective. I also gained technical expertise related to my field of study such as Aboriginal teachings around land ownership, developing with the environment, and holistic approaches to communal and individual health… I wholeheartedly credit my continued success to my time in the Engage North program."
- Lily (Ziyue) Zhang, Beaver First Nation Land and Consultation Intern, 2016