Borealis
Dowhy, Parker;
Coates, Ally;
Manhas, Jasneek;
Min, Jason;
Leung, Larry
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2024-09-10
The Cultural Harvest Program is a youth program aimed at enhancing the mental health and well-being of Indigenous youth in a rural first nations community. Rooted in traditional values and practices, the program aims to strengthen connections with culture, spirituality, and the land, ultimately reducing rates of youth incarceration and promoting healthy coping mechanisms. An environmental scan, which included both physical and digital resources, provided insights to inform program development. The program’s pilot phase will involve a small group of youth, with plans to expand to accommodate larger cohorts and a variety of land-based activities. By fostering cultural and social engagement, the Cultural Harvest Program seeks to empower the rural first nations youth to express their thoughts and emotions in a safe environment.