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Strengths-based Programming for First Nations Youth in Schools: Building Engagement Through Healthy Relationships and Leadership Skills

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction volume 8, pages 160–173 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

First Nations youth in Canada demonstrate disproportionately high rates of negative behaviors such as violence, substance abuse, and leaving school early. An understanding of historical context and current environment helps explain these patterns. Providing culturally relevant opportunities for youth to build healthy relationships and leadership skills has the potential to increase youth engagement. Over the past four years our multidisciplinary team of researchers, educators, program developers, and community leaders have worked together to develop a number of school-based initiatives that focus on increasing youth engagement through building on strengths and the promotion of healthy relationships. Specific strategies include peer mentoring, a credit-based academic course, and transition conferences for grade 8 students. This article describes these initiatives and some of the early successes and challenges we have faced in the design and implementation of them. Preliminary evidence is presented to support the contention that these initiatives increase youth engagement.

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Fig. 1

Notes

  1. More information about all of our initiatives is available at www.youthrelationships.org.

  2. The mentees are typically younger, although in some cases mentors have provided support to senior students who have moved from remote areas or are returning to school after a prolonged absence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CAMH Centre for Prevention Science, London, Ontario, Canada

    Claire V. Crooks, Debbie Chiodo & Ray Hughes

  2. Wilfrid Laurier University, Brantford, Ontario, Canada

    Darren Thomas

Authors
  1. Claire V. Crooks
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  2. Debbie Chiodo
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  3. Darren Thomas
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  4. Ray Hughes
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Correspondence to Claire V. Crooks.

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Crooks, C.V., Chiodo, D., Thomas, D. et al. Strengths-based Programming for First Nations Youth in Schools: Building Engagement Through Healthy Relationships and Leadership Skills. Int J Ment Health Addiction 8, 160–173 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-009-9242-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-009-9242-0

Keywords

  • Adolescence
  • Strengths-based programming
  • Indigenous youth
  • Mentoring
  • Youth engagement