A warm congratulations to Dr. Johanna Sam (PI), Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Assistant Professor in ECPS, as well as NITEP – Indigenous Teacher Education Program, for her successful Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar Program application.
Dr. Sam was awarded $450,000 for her project titled Nini nanaghintsan ?anh (is your mind tired?): The Healing Journeys of Indigenous Adolescents Navigating Pathways to Urban and Online Wellness Support.
Due to the historical and ongoing effects of colonization, Indigenous youth experience higher rates of mental illness and many are reluctant to seek help when they are in crisis. This research project will use oral traditions and storytelling to ask Indigenous youth (aged 12 to 24) about their healing journeys when accessing wellness supports in urban and online spaces. This project will work in partnership with Foundry BC to collaborate with local Indigenous communities. The findings from this study can inform culturally-resurgent practices to help transform the way Indigenous youth are engaged in wellness supports across urban and online spaces.
Best wishes, Johanna, on this exciting research endeavour!