Connection to the land as a youth-identified social determinant of Indigenous Peoples' health
First Nation youth identify connection to the land as an essential determinant of Indigenous Peoples’ health
This study sought to gain insights into the perspectives of Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) youth on health, health issues and health priorities within their community. The study was based on the understanding that youth perspectives are an essential component to addressing the social and structural determinants of Indigenous health.
The YKDFN Wellness Division and two researchers from universities in Canada designed a five-day workshop to provide opportunities for youth to practice cultural skills and to capture their perspectives of health and health agency. Fifteen YKDFN youth (age 13-18) from the Canadian Northwest Territories participated in this workshop. Data collection activities conducted during the workshop were framed around an asset or strength-based versus pathogenic approach to health promotion. A pathogenic approach focuses on disease and illness; an asset approach stresses positive, salutary factors that support people’s health and well-being. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) methodology was chosen for this study as a way to accentuate community strengths and Indigenous knowledge.
YKDFN youth completed two quantitative surveys and a number of qualitative data-collection activities focusing on their views of health and determinants of health. The activities included PhotoVoice, mural art, and sharing circles. The PhotoVoice activity involved youth walking around their community to capture health issues and priorities in photos or videos. Additional data sources included observations, field notes, and personal reflections of the researchers and community partners.
Themes emerging from the data focused on both health-related issues and health-promotion priorities. Issues identified by the youth included littering, pollution, smoking, alcohol and drugs, arsenic contamination, and unsafe areas. Health priorities included “pathways, garden and greenhouse, youth involvement, sports (including Dene games), community gatherings, Elders and culture, and nature/the land.” Of special interest as a health priority for the youth were activities promoting a connection to the land.
This study calls attention to the importance of involving youth and including a connection-to-the-land component in building a healthy community for Indigenous People.
Citation
Lines, L-E., Yellowknives Dene First Nation Wellness Division, Jardine, C.G., (2019). Connection to the land as a youth-identified social determinant of Indigenous Peoples' health. BMC Public Health, 19
