Healthy Communities • Y Stories • YMCA Youth Programs
Teacher plans student exchange after having life-changing experience as a youth
04 February 2020 - by Sarah Cowan
Just over a decade ago, Nicole Pereira from Brampton, Ontario spent a week with her classmates experiencing the culture of Cross Lake First Nation in northern Manitoba through 
Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC). The experience inspired her to pursue a career in education. Today, Nicole is a special education teacher at Lac Seul First Nation in Kejick Bay, Ontario.
Here’s how YEC changed her life:
My exchange experience has a special place in my heart. I have fond memories, like walking around the community of Cross Lake, beading with my friends, and watching jigging competitions.
I made life-long bonds with the Indigenous youth in the community and enjoyed learning about their cultural traditions. Years later, I returned to Cross Lake with my own family.
It also inspired me to take my students on an exchange in April 2020!
They’ll have the opportunity to explore another community a province away, in Gatineau, Quebec. And they’ll be ambassadors for their community, sharing the rich culture of Lac Seul First Nation.
As a former YEC participant, I really appreciate what my students are about to see and learn. And I know both groups will grow from their connections and shared experiences.
The exchange could even change the course of their lives forever, like it did for me!
Give youth the experience of a lifetime
Take your class, youth group, or sports team on an exchange through YEC. Apply by March 1, 2020 to participate this summer or fall!
Youth Exchanges Canada (YEC). The experience inspired her to pursue a career in education. Today, Nicole is a special education teacher at Lac Seul First Nation in Kejick Bay, Ontario.Here’s how YEC changed her life:
My exchange experience has a special place in my heart. I have fond memories, like walking around the community of Cross Lake, beading with my friends, and watching jigging competitions.
I made life-long bonds with the Indigenous youth in the community and enjoyed learning about their cultural traditions. Years later, I returned to Cross Lake with my own family.The experience inspired my career path. It’s why I’ve been teaching in a northern First Nation community since 2016 and why I hope to be here for years to come.
It also inspired me to take my students on an exchange in April 2020!
They’ll have the opportunity to explore another community a province away, in Gatineau, Quebec. And they’ll be ambassadors for their community, sharing the rich culture of Lac Seul First Nation.
As a former YEC participant, I really appreciate what my students are about to see and learn. And I know both groups will grow from their connections and shared experiences.
The exchange could even change the course of their lives forever, like it did for me!
Give youth the experience of a lifetime
Take your class, youth group, or sports team on an exchange through YEC. Apply by March 1, 2020 to participate this summer or fall!
