Project 413013

This project seeks to explore the programming/services needed by Calgary's urban Indigenous youth across the gender-identity spectrum (18-24 years old) to support sexual health, identity and belonging. Sexual health includes having control over one's sexual and reproductive choices, as well as having access to enjoyable and safe sexual relationships free of shame, coercion and violence. The ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples has resulted in the loss of traditional teachings and knowledge around intimacy, rites of passage ceremonies, and individual/collective roles and responsibilities which contributed to the development of healthy relationships, the backbone of community resilience. This project acknowledges that cultural and sexual identities are complex processes of identity development, and particularly complex for urban Indigenous youth who may have already experienced life challenges stemming from colonial violence and historical trauma. It is within this context that the project seeks to engage youth across the gender-identity spectrum, which is inclusive of all gender expressions. Through Indigenous storytelling and Youth Participatory Action Research with Indigenous youth across the gender-identity spectrum, Elders, knowledge holders, and front-line workers this project aims to create a wholistic framework for culturally safe and relevant programming that supports sexual health, identity and belonging among urban Indigenous youth in Calgary, addressing a critical gap in the services for urban Indigenous youth across the gender-identity spectrum.