The Climate Crisis and Indigenous Youths’ Mental Health: The Pilot Project

Ethsi  Stewart; Sabina Mirza; Michael Brown

doi:10.56508/mhgcj.v8i1.254

Authors

Ethsi Stewart Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1540-6778
Sabina Mirza Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2407-3277
Michael Brown Waakebiness Institute for Indigenous Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2790-3133

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56508/mhgcj.v8i1.254

Keywords:

Mental Health, Climate Crisis, Indigenous Methodology, Arts-Based, Community Research, Indigenous Youth, Indigenous Youth Mental Health

Abstract

Introduction: The climate crisis significantly and disproportionately impacts Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island, and worldwide. Some major issues faced are threats to reserve lands, food sovereignty, and traditional employment. The harms caused by climate change have been uniquely placed on Indigenous youth as both the future and current caretakers and land defenders of Turtle Island, impacting the mental health of our youth. Yet, their perspectives are rarely included in scholarly literature, research, or decision-making on environmental policy.
Purpose: This article outlines findings from initial pilot phases of a climate crisis research project regarding the perspectives of Indigenous youth on the impacts of the climate crisis on their mental health and recommendations for service providers.
Methodology: The findings outline themes and perspectives from Talking Circles with youth and Elders, as well as the development of a play created and performed in collaboration with an Indigenous theatre expert and our community partner, 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations, in Toronto. Additionally, a quantitative survey was conducted to gather audience feedback on the performance.
Results: 4 qualitative themes emerged: anxiety, fear and powerlessness; finding voice & using voice; autonomy & decolonization in government; education, educating & training youth. Audience feedback was mainly positive, impactful and inspiring. 6 main recommendations for policy and service delivery shifts were also acquired.
Conclusion: This research responds to the emergent need for the inclusion and empowerment of Indigenous youth voices on the ongoing climate crisis and investigates its impacts on Indigenous youth mental health. Overall, the study had a positive impact on Indigenous youth mental health, with future research underway. Recommendations for programming and policy changes provided to continue supporting positive Indigenous youth mental health and wellness.

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