Good morning and greetings from Canada World Youth!

I am writing to let you know that the group from the Metis Nation of Ontario arrived safely in Ecuador last night. This morning they began their orientation program with the local staff from Fundacion Reto Internacional (FRI). They are embarking on a great experience and will have lots to share with you upon their return!

Naomi Anatol, Program Officer – Global Learner Programs
Canada World Youth / Jeunesse Canada Monde
416-596-9702 #22 Toll Free / Sans frais: 1-888-421-9761

UPDATE:

Good morning,
I am writing to provide you with an update of the Metis Nation group in Ecuador. The participants are doing well and enjoying life in their host community. Despite certain challenges (new food, language barrier, etc.) they are integrating well and learning a lot about their hosts and themselves.
As you may be aware, the Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador has been active this week. The volcano is located approximately 130km south of the capital city of Quito and 260km south of the community of Otavalo where the Metis Nation group is located. I have been in contact with the Canadian Embassy in Ecuador and the Consular Officer has assured me that both Quito and Otavalo are not impacted by the volcanic activity and are safe. International flights leaving Quito have not been affected and the group will depart on Wednesday as planned.
Unfortunately the rural area surrounding the volcano is one of the poorest in Ecuador and the communities have been devastated by this situation. I am sure that the participants will be hearing a lot about these communities while they are in Ecuador and will be able to share the local perspective with us upon their return.
Thank you for your continued support!
Regards,
Naomi Anatol

Naomi Anatol
Program Officer – Global Learner Programs
Canada World Youth / Jeunesse Canada Monde
Central Canada Regional Office / Bureau régional du centre du Canada
404-317 Adelaide St. W. / 404-317 rue Adelaide Ouest
Toronto, Ontario / Toronto (Ontario)
Canada M5V 1P9
(416) 596-9702 #22
Toll Free / Sans frais: 1 (888) 421-9761
Fax: (416) 596-9642
www.canadaworldyouth.org / www.jeunessecanadamonde.org

Background -- Métis Youth Global Adventure

(Read the project summary and project purpose here - PDF) This summer, 11 Métis youth ages 18-29 from across the province will be going on a 14-day trip to Ecuador to do community service in Otavalo , an Indigenous community. This project is being offered through a partnership with the Métis Nation of Ontario Training Initiatives and Canada World Youth's Global Learner Program. Youth are responsible for fundraising a portion of the total costs (approx. $2000-$2500 per person).

This opportunity will be full of cultural excursions where youth will gain an understanding of Ecuador and its culture through family living and volunteer community work. Of course being immersed in a culture different from one's own gives rise to many questions about one's own identity and culture, as a Métis person. As Métis youth, they will be sharing Métis history, values, traditions and pride in Métis arts and culture, with the Indigenous people of Ecuador. This will be an amazing opportunity for Métis youth to learn about Ecuadorian culture an gain international leadership experience to bring back to their communities.

Youth Global Adventure Coordinator
1.800.263.4889
1.613.798.1488 ext.105