Grant: Team Grant: Pathways Implementation Research Team - Component 2

Aboriginal peoples' health is deeply impacted by social determinants including those related to the effects of colonization and its resultant intergenerational traumas. As a result, Aboriginal peoples in Canada experience a unique set of mental health challenges. Mental illness and social issues such as substance abuse, addiction, and suicide are particularly high among Aboriginal peoples. Suicide and self-inflicted injuries are, in fact, a leading cause of death for Canadian First Nations youth and young adults. Findings from a recently completed CIHR funded youth suicide research project by this team with First Nations youth in 11 Carrier and Sekani communities demonstrated positive effects, including: decreased levels of depression, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and increased self-esteem associated with being involved in cultural training and education. Due to the success of the previous study, it is proposed that the study be expanded and adapted to meet the needs of young adults in the same and additional northern BC communities. The goals of the study are to evaluate the long-term effects of youth participants' involvement with cultural interventions and suicide prevention programs, adapt and expand the previous suicide intervention and program, and implement and evaluate interventions with new populations. The research team, including researchers, community organizations, health practitioners, community members and leaders, will work together to achieve these goals. The outcomes from this project will be to increase understanding and awareness of mental health research and suicide prevention within the context of northern BC Aboriginal communities, the maintenance of existing and building of new partnerships through collaboration, and the development of intervention suicide prevention and wellness training manuals for young adults that encompass the traditional values of the individual Aboriginal groups that are part of this project.