Grant: Doctoral Research Award -PA: Research in First Nations, Métis &/or Inuit Health

Background The project I am proposing is ancillary to a community-controlled health promotion recognized best practice called the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention Project (KSDPP) Community Mobilization Training (CMT). Through the CMT process, community members collaborate with one another and/or people from outside the community to move the community toward positive change. To date, few youth have been involved in the CMT, yet it has been widely documented that youth are essential partners in community mobilization, and that community mobilization can provide developmental opportunities for the youth. Purpose My doctoral research aims to 1) gain a better understanding of Indigenous youth's conceptualization of health and wellness in their community, 2) to facilitate positive youth development opportunities through youth-led participatory evaluation and advocacy, and 3) to increase uptake of the larger KSDPP CMT project within the community of Tyendinaga by involving the youth in the process of community mobilization. Methods The three studies done within this project will follow a rubric for participatory practice outlined by (Ledwith & Springett, 2010) which includes three interlinked components of storytelling, respectful dialogue, and reflexivity. Research design, methods, analysis and dissemination of the storytelling, and dialogue components will rely heavily on consultation with the youth at Quinte Mohawk School. Data Analysis In order to ensure positive and accurate representation of the youth's stories, the youth will be engaged as full partners in the research process, including data analysis.