Arctic Youth Ambassador Summit

As many of you know, I have always been very passionate about Canada's great white north and the unique landscape that comes with it! The beginning of my third year in Health Studies at Queen's University has brought many opportunities that I could have never imagined, this is one of them! 

After being selected to participate in the Northern Initiative of Queen's Health Outreach in my first year, I learned more than I ever could have imagined about Indigenous cultures and the unique health issues that Northern communities face. This experience lit a passion within me to continue to seek out opportunities to learn more about the Arctic and to protect its beauty.

I continued to do just that! I have been involved on Queen's campus attempting to be an advocate for our North and inspiring others to do the same. I continued to be involved in the Northern Initiative of Queen's Health Outreach as well as the Northern Food Security team within the Queen's Native Students Association. These experiences have helped me find what I am passionate about and connected me with some truly amazing people. 

When I came across the opportunity to get to participate in the Global Vision Arctic Youth Ambassador Summit this Fall I jumped on the opportunity! This is a summit that will bring together youth from the south and youth from the north to learn and discuss the unique culture and issues northern communities face. If you want to learn more about the summit you can check out their website: http://www.globalvision.ca/ayas/

Receiving the news that I had been selected to attend was immensely exciting! I hope to attend this summit and learn as much as I possibly can then take this knowledge and bring it back to my communities to inspire others to help protect our North. I also hope to apply this knowledge to my studies at Queen's University and the clubs I am involved in as well. 

As many of you I'm sure are aware, the price associated with northern travel/experiences is not cheap. At a subsidized price the summit costs $2,750 to attend. Since this is a once in a lifetime opportunity I decided to strap on my fundraising boots and get to work! This is where I am starting.

After experiencing the kindness and generosity that many of my friends and family gave me while fundraising for QHO two years ago I have never felt more supported in my hopes and dreams. In addition to this page, I am also applying to multiple grants through Queen's University, City of Kingston, City of Belleville and much more. As I (hopefully) receive grants the fundraising goal will get smaller and smaller! If you have any grant suggestions you think this summit would be a good fit for please don't hesitate to reach out. 

I hope that my passion and drive to make a change shines through the short description. A donation of any amount will make a difference and will be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Georgia Dow