Research summary
The mental health and well-being of youth are reaching a crisis point-one that is being amplified by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To better support not only young people, but also their education systems and educators, we need research-informed, transdisciplinary and established approaches to address their mental health.
As Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Youth Well-Being and Education, Dr. Jennifer Markides is partnering with Indigenous communities and school divisions to find ways to support the holistic well-being of Indigenous students and better reflect the values and teachings of Indigenous communities. To do this, she and her research team are working with communities to examine Indigenous students’ educational experiences. They are also developing culturally responsive and school-based initiatives that reflect the needs, interests and goals of Indigenous communities. Ultimately, their research will highlight the benefits of emotional, spiritual, mental and physical well-being education for Indigenous youth and youth in general.