Grant: Project Grant

Luig (2011) notes "...that [land] pedagogical philosophy allows for experiential learning...and relational understandings. Learning in this context is articulated as a dialogue, not only between students and teachers, but also between humans and their environment. Such encompassing understanding of learning, that integrates physical and emotional experiences, facilitates personal growth and addresses healthy living." It follows that reconnecting to the land is a crucial pathway to health for young Indigenous peoples who use drugs. However, substance use interventions are usually derived from Western ways of knowing. This study was designed by Indigenous people for Indigenous people who use drugs and focuses on the potential for land-based approaches that promote wellness. We are building a program based on culture and land that is meant to help support young Indigenous peoples who use drugs out of the triple threat of overdose, COVID & racism. Y1: (Re)connecting is about building trust with the Cedar team, the land, and in ceremony. It is characterized by Cedar's kitchen, indoor gardening & learning about the life cycle of salmon. Y2 &3 are called gathering and exploring and are focused on expanding participation in land-based activities, teaching, and ceremony. Our final phase (Y4): Is based on grounding, represents a year of preparation for participation in a Potlach ceremony; most participants are located between two territories, Coast Salish and Carrier, both are governed through Potlach. This study will be nested within the Cedar project cohort, a community driven longitudinal research initiative located in Prince George & the Vancouver's Eastside (DTES), which has a long track record of doing research that is meaningful to Indigenous peoples who use drugs. This work is community driven and grounded in the concepts of healing justice and ethical space of engagement. We will be using Indigenous methodologies and statistics to evaluate the intervention.