Project 454085

Indigenous youth are disproportionately affected by poor health. The root causes are broad and directly linked to the lasting effects of colonization. To improve wholistic health, we need to acknowledge these generational and structural challenges. Accordingly, population health interventions aimed at reducing disparities must recognize the historical and contemporary adversity Indigenous youth face, and be grounded in decolonizing approaches which prioritize Indigenous resurgence and self-determination. This program of research will determine how an exemplar, evidence-based culturally affirming population health intervention (the Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program, IYMP) serves as a pathway to wholistic health and health equity. IYMP is an after-school healthy living program delivered by Indigenous high school (youth) mentors for younger elementary students. The core components are: 1) healthy eating, 2) physical activity, and 3) relationship building and mentorship. While children are the intended beneficiaries, we now understand the tremendous impact IYMP has on youth mentors. Mentors have experienced positive benefits related to the social determinants of health including their education, employability, and social networks. We have started to document these benefits; however, efforts have been piecemeal. This research will build on IYMP's success, to determine how IYMP serves as a pathway to address two critical determinants of health: educational attainment and pathways to employment. This work will generate innovative methods and will rely on implementation science adapted for relevance within Indigenous communities prioritizing youth voice and ways of knowing. The proposed program of research will, in partnership with Indigenous youth examine if and how a school-based, communal culturally affirming intervention (i.e., IYMP) serves as a pathway to educational attainment and employability - ultimately improving wholistic health and health equity.