Healing through Travel, Grounded by Culture
Maya Arun - 12 March 2026
Sforzesco Castle in Milan, Italy
Tuesday in Vif, France for the Tour de France
Ruins in Pompeii, Italy
Santa Maria del Carmine Church in Florence, Italy
Tuesday Young spent his childhood between the United States and Canada, spending much of it in the latter. He moved back to Edmonton in 2018 to be close to family. Now, he is a fifth-year Native Studies student with a minor in history at the U of A. As President of the Native Studies Student’s Association and representative on the General Faculties Council and the Council of Student Affairs, Tuesday has been very active on campus.
Tuesday’s interest in history and curiosity about different cultures inspired him to pursue multiple study abroad experiences. The e3 French Alps program was Tuesday’s first introduction to Education Abroad programs at the U of A, but it was far from his last. After his first summer abroad in Grenoble, he decided to spend a winter semester at the School in Cortona, in the Italian countryside. Tuesday’s need to study abroad still wasn’t satisfied, because he decided to spend another summer in the French Alps, learning French and taking courses about French culture and way of life at Université Grenoble Alpes.
“When I saw the e3 program, I thought it would be great to try living over there and living the culture for a bit. I really enjoyed it.”
Having lived abroad before in the US, Tuesday knew firsthand how even closely related cultures have different ways of living. Life in France was laid back, travelling was made easy by well-connected public transportation and food was affordable, fresh, and convenient. Many establishments close from 1-2 pm in the afternoons as a sort of lunch break, ensuring that everyone is well-rested.
Restaurants on campus offered meals at discounted student rates, so Tuesday could get a three-course meal for €3.80, or $6.60.
“I would recommend going abroad at least once. Travelling — it fights against being small-minded, and it builds more empathy and appreciation for other cultures.”
Tuesday mentions that after coming back, he wants to share his experiences with others, especially his own band. “Some people have only been in Canada and their community, but there’s a whole world out there and you’ll be surprised at what you will enjoy about it.”
After exploring Europe, the next destination on Tuesday’s bucket list is Brazil, potentially through the e3 program in Curitiba.
A new chapter of Tuesday’s life started when he decided to come back to Canada, when he set out on a journey of healing and growth after his experience with domestic violence. “Coming home gave me a sense of grounding and reminded me of where I come from.”
Although being home in Edmonton and with family grounded him, going abroad gave him the exposure he needed to feel independent and truly heal. “Living abroad taught me to step outside of my comfort zone, to see life from new perspectives, and to live without being ruled by fear.”
During his travels, Tuesday found many parallels between different cultures and Indigenous ways of knowing and being. He notes that seeing how countries in Europe and Asia honour and preserve their long histories made him realize how much of Indigenous history has been overlooked or erased.
“I want to help rebuild and share those stories, to remind people that our history here in Canada is just as deep, meaningful, and alive.”