Colinda Blondin, a Regional Youth Programs and Volunteer Officer for the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs. One of the youth programs Colinda promotes is the Youth Ambassadors Program, with incredible opportunities and great experiences for youth 17-25 years old.  

My name is Adam Mackenzie, I am a 23-year-old from the Tlicho Nation, Behchoko, NT. This summer I got the opportunity to be a NWT Youth Ambassador and volunteer at the 2015 Pan American games in Toronto. It was a great experience to be a part of, and I had a great time exploring Toronto, experiencing city life and meeting new people. All the people I met come from different backgrounds and had great stories to tell, and I enjoyed sharing my stories about the Tłįchǫ people. Life has been amazing in this city and it will be hard to go back home. There's hardship among First Nations youth in the NWT and I think they should apply for this program, so they can also have a story to tell that might inspire other youth to join.

"The Youth Ambassador program offers you a chance to meet and work with amazing youth from all over the North and gain leadership skills that will be valuable for school, for your community, and for a future career. The program also offers the opportunity to travel to exciting destinations; right now we have volunteers in Toronto, Ontario assisting with the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. We have also brought our Youth Ambassadors to the Olympics in Vancouver and even as far as Japan and Los Angeles for traditional games demonstrations."

"The work experience you gain as an Ambassador is huge and we have seen the difference it has made so far. This program provides work experience on an international level, and an opportunity to learn the tools you need to make a difference in your communities. So if you want to travel to major events and work with other amazing youth in the north that are looking to make a difference in their community, then you should apply to become a Youth Ambassador!"

Youth Ambassadors Participants from the Tlicho Region:

• Delena Takazo of Gameti - 2007 CWG 
• Robyn Wedzin-Quitte of Behchoko - 2007 CWG, 2008 NAIG 
• Erin Gon of Behchoko - 2008 AWG, 2008 NAIG 
• Christan Beaverho of Whati - 2008 AWG, 2010 Olympics 
• Katrina Drybones of Behchoko - 2008 NAIG 
• Carly Gon of Behchoko - 2010 Olympics  
• Rusty Mantla of Behchoko - 2010 Olympics 
• Tyanna Steinwand of Behchoko - 2010 Olympics 
• Bryan Nitsiza of Whati - 2012 AWG, 2014 NAIG, 2015 Parapanam 
• Brenda Wedawin of Gameti - 2014 NAIG 
• Donovan Simpson of Whati - 2014 NAIG 
• Adam Mackenzie of Behchoko - 2015 Panam