A group of Indigenous youth from northern Manitoba have just returned to the province from a trip to the Dominican Republic.

While there the youth, part of a group of 22 volunteers, built a home for a family in Puerto Plata on the island’s northern coast.

More than a dozen teens raised about 3-thousand dollars each for the trip.

Sheila North, a board member of the non-profit charity LiveDifferent and former MKO  grand chief, said it was an opportunity for young Indigenous people to experience what it's like going to a different country. But it was also about giving back, she added.

The youth came from Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Sapotawayak Cree Nation and Nisichiwayasik Cree Nation.