Grant: Operating Grant: Indigenous Gender and Wellness - Knowledge Sharing

Even though Indigenous boys and men often face mental health struggles, substance use, and violence, we still do not know enough about what they go through or the obstacles they face when trying to get help. The present proposal is informed by a series of integrated community projects co-developed with Indigenous youth co-researchers and communities through the previous three CIHR Indigenous Gender and Wellness projects completed by members of the team. The goal of the current research proposal is to: 1. foster storytelling and intergenerational mentorship among Indigenous boys and men; 2. co-develop knowledge bundles through meaningful exchange with Elders and Knowledge Holders; and 3. evaluate how land-based, intergenerational knowledge sharing affirms Indigenous gender identities, strengthens wellness, and supports distinctions-based cultural revitalization. This project proposes to gather Indigenous boys with Elders and Knowledge Holders from across the country in land-based Elder-Youth Gatherings. The project will be guided by the mentorship of Indigenous Elders through cultural and land-based practices. Holistic health programs that bring together different generations preserve Indigenous ways of knowledge translation, which may in turn improve community health and wellness. Knowledge sharing will be grounded in co-designed land-based learning and traditional craft activities, approaches that are relational, hands-on, and culturally relevant. These methods allow knowledge to emerge in an organic, iterative way, encouraging dialogue shaped by youth priorities and lived realities. Emphasizing joy and laughter as sources of resilience, the gatherings reflect Indigenous concepts of wellness that extend beyond deficit-focused models. Findings from these knowledge sharing activities will guide the development of digital and physical knowledge bundles on teachings, services, and supports for Indigenous boys and men.