The resilience of Indigenous youth in Canada and the USA is a testament to their strength and ability to thrive despite facing numerous adversities. The scoping review titled "Indigenous Youth and Resilience in Canada and the USA: a Scoping Review" provides valuable insights into how resilience is defined, measured, and experienced by Indigenous youth. This blog post aims to help practitioners improve their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or encouraging further exploration.
Key Insights from the Research
The research highlights that Indigenous youth face unique stressors such as substance use, family instability, and loss of cultural identity. Despite these challenges, they demonstrate remarkable resilience through future orientation, cultural pride, learning from the natural world, and community interactions.
- Cultural Continuity: Traditional knowledge and practices serve as crucial pathways to resilience. Engaging in cultural activities strengthens identity and provides a sense of belonging.
- Community Support: Relationships with community members, especially Elders, play a vital role in nurturing resilience. These connections offer guidance and a sense of continuity.
- Nature as a Teacher: Interaction with the natural world provides lessons in adaptation and renewal. It offers a calming influence and reinforces cultural teachings.
Implementing Research Outcomes
Practitioners can enhance their support for Indigenous youth by integrating these insights into their practice:
- Cultural Engagement: Encourage participation in cultural activities that reinforce identity and provide a sense of community. This can include language learning, traditional ceremonies, and storytelling.
- Elder Involvement: Facilitate connections between youth and Elders to foster intergenerational knowledge sharing. Elders can offer wisdom and support that strengthens resilience.
- Nature-Based Activities: Incorporate nature-based programs that allow youth to connect with the land. Activities like hiking or gardening can reinforce cultural teachings and promote mental wellness.
The Need for Further Research
The study underscores the need for more research to develop holistic, youth-centered measures of resilience that incorporate traditional practices. Practitioners are encouraged to explore this area further to better understand how resilience manifests in different communities.
A Call to Action
This research provides a foundation for enhancing support for Indigenous youth. By embracing cultural continuity and community involvement, practitioners can empower youth to navigate challenges with resilience.
