Exploring the Southern Dakelh First Nations youth’s experiences of wellness

Background: To promote health equity for Indigenous youth in Canada, a federally funded initiative Jordan’s Principle was implemented to support children and youth by considering their unique contexts and providing immediate funding for necessary health, social, and educational supports. Jordan’s Principle funding was obtained by the three leaders of the Southern Dakelh First Nations communities (Lhtako Dene, Nazko, and Lhoosk’uz Dene) through the Quesnel Dakelh Education and Employment Society (QDEES) to support youth engage education and employment opportunities offered by the New Gold Blackwater Mine Project. A review of the literature indicated that despite evidence suggesting experiences during adolescence impacts life-long wellness, there are gaps in the research that explores wellness-oriented objectives, specifically in relation to youth’s community context. Purpose: The purpose of this work was to understand and explore how the Southern Dakelh community context influences youth’s experiences of wellness by conducting a strength-based community assessment. Methods: This study utilized a community-based participatory research approach. Mixed methods were used to collect and analyze data from 29 participants. These data included their assessment of what made them strong, in-depth individual interviews and focus groups, and reflective journaling and field notes that were used to examine the contextual factors associated with youth wellness. Findings: Data analysis resulted in five key themes: Geographic Isolation, Social Isolation, Cultural Isolation, Duty, and Ambition. These findings demonstrate ways in which youth wellness may be influenced by contextual factors, this evidence can be used to inform the planning and development of an appropriate equity-based health promotion strategy. Conclusion: These findings suggest that youth wellness is affected by broader structural inequities and complex realities that shape the youth’s unique experiences.Applied Science, Faculty ofNursing, School ofGraduat