Association > WORKSHOP CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDIGENOUS YOUTH AND FAMILIES IN YOUTH WELLNESS HUBS ONTARIO: GROWING AND LEARNING FROM THE PROVINCIAL INDIGENOUS YOUTH AND FAMILY ADVISORY CIRCLE

WORKSHOP CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDIGENOUS YOUTH AND FAMILIES IN YOUTH WELLNESS HUBS ONTARIO: GROWING AND LEARNING FROM THE PROVINCIAL INDIGENOUS YOUTH AND FAMILY ADVISORY CIRCLE

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Kaitlyn Gilham (she/her), Msc, Implementation Specialist, Shkaabe Makwa, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Loretta Asseniwai-Fox (she/her), Implementation Specialist, Shkaabe Makwa, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Devon Walpole (she/her), Youth Advisor, Provincial Indigenous Youth and Family Advisory Circle (PIYFAC)

Melody Recollet (she/her), Youth Advisor, Provincial Indigenous Youth and Family Advisory Circle (PIYFAC)

 

Abstract

Indigenous concepts of mental health and wellness include wholistic and relational ways of knowing and being in the world. Improving Indigenous youth engagement in systems initiatives results in better health outcomes, particularly when these relationships are authentic and reciprocal. Integrated youth services are a growing model of care and support for youth in Ontario. Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO), in partnership with Shkaabe Makwa, have led and developed the Provincial Indigenous Youth and Family Advisory Circle (PIYFAC). Modeled on Indigenous worldviews of the life cycle, and on principles of respect, reciprocity, relationship and collaboration, the PIYFAC centers First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth voices in building Indigenous inclusion, collaboration and transformation to the YWHO model. This presentation will share how the PIYFAC has navigated their work through the pandemic, and share examples of authentic collaboration and partnerships to build an inclusive system of care for Indigenous youth in Ontario.

 

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify the role of integrated youth services as a model of care for youth in Ontario
  2. Explore and identify effective strategies for Indigenous youth engagement in health systems
  3. Reflect on and discuss authentic and reciprocal Indigenous youth and family engagement
  4. Identify potential barriers and tensions in efforts to create meaningful engagement
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