Grant: Catalyst Grant: Healthy Youth - Indigenous Youth

Indigenous Peoples embrace a wholistic approach to health, considering physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, which is deeply interconnected with their relationship to the land, family, community, ancestors, and future generations. Yet, Indigenous communities, particularly youth, face significant health disparities. Recent research highlights alarming gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in Canada, spanning chronic illnesses, mental health issues, high suicide rates, discrimination, youth incarceration, and more. Acknowledging the cumulative impact of historical and intergenerational trauma, there is a growing shift towards culturally safe services rooted in Indigenous traditions and knowledges. The Trauma-Informed Care and Practices Program (TICPP), created by Anishinaabe educator and ceremonialist Derek Courchene, aims to address these pressing needs. TICPP is a community-driven program that unpacks colonization, assimilation, trauma, and healing from an Indigenous perspective. Although TICPP has proven successful with adults in community organizations and First Nations across Manitoba, its potential relevance and impact to Indigenous youth and gender diverse Indigenous youth remains unexplored. This project will conceptualize the adaptation of TICPP's content, delivery, and cultural safety as it is delivered to youth service providers from two Manitoba First Nations communities: Saint Theresa Point and Pine Creek. By focusing on how the TICPP can be adapted to Indigenous youth through cultural connection, the project contributes to enhancing cultural safety and wellness within Indigenous communities. This community-led and participatory project aligns with principles of both Indigenous rights to Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP), CARE, and DORA (Declaration on Research Assessment). It represents a critical step to address the health disparities faced by Indigenous youth and promote wellness to families and communities.