Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

In Canada, mental illness and suicide among First Nations youth are occurring at an alarming rate, one that sadly appears to be on the rise. To fully understand suicide among this group we must recognize the damaging consequences of historical and political practices including: colonization, discrimination, and marginalization. In the Canadian population, mental health literacy, the knowledge, beliefs and abilities that support the prevention and management of mental health issues, has been identified as a central component of suicide prevention. Unfortunately current definitions of mental health literacy fail to consider essential First Nations cultural, historical and contextual differences that are critical to successful programs. A better understanding of mental health literacy among First Nations youth is therefore essential to programs aimed at preventing suicide in this group. The objective of this study is to develop a theory of First Nations youth mental health literacy grounded in their experiences and perspectives. We will investigate the culturally and contextually distinct knowledge, beliefs and abilities of First Nations youth that support the prevention and management of mental illness. The data generated through this study will be used to inform the design and evaluation of programs aimed at preventing First Nations youth suicide and the development of culturally relevant health promotion practice. The research involves: 1) partnering with rural and urban First Nations in Southern Alberta who are participating in a theatre-based suicide prevention program; and 2) interviewing the youth participants, adult community members and local service providers in groups and individually to explore broadly the social and cultural contexts in which First Nations youth experience both mental illness and wellness.