Michelle Padley, Lisa Bourque Bearskin, Logan Burd, Danielle Bergevin, Denise McCuaig, Bryce Mercredi, Pixie Wells, Patricia Ekland, Autumn Clark

Nurturing Métis Youth Wellness: Kehtêyak Perspectives on Identity, Community, Spirituality, and Wholistic Connection

Introduction

Nurturing métis youth wellness: kehtêyak perspectives on identity, community, spirituality, and wholistic connection . Explore Métis youth wellness through Kehtêyak wisdom. Understand Indigenous perspectives on identity, community, spirituality, and wholistic connection to address mental wellness gaps.

Abstract

This research inquiry explores the wisdom of Métis kehtêyak (the one who knows) to understand their thoughts, experiences, and perceptions in promoting wellness for Métis youth. Grounded in Indigenous Research Methodologies, the researcher met with eight Métis kehtêyak throughout the province to gain a deeper understanding of Métis ways of being, knowing, and doing in relation to wellness. Four overarching wellness themes collectively emerged, emphasizing identity, community, spirituality, and wholism. These findings informed the development of the community organization’s Youth Life Promotion Project through participation in the project’s Youth Leadership Kinship Circle to co-create wellness videos for the life promotion modules. This research provides a summary of the work needed to address the gaps in Métis mental wellness and knowledge driven by Métis kehtêyak.

Review

This research inquiry presents a compelling and culturally vital exploration into Métis youth wellness, centering the invaluable perspectives of Métis kehtêyak. The title clearly signals an intergenerational and holistic approach, promising deep insights into the foundational elements of well-being for this specific community. By grounding the study in Indigenous Research Methodologies and directly engaging with knowledge keepers, the abstract demonstrates a commitment to culturally appropriate and community-driven knowledge creation, which is paramount for addressing the unique challenges and strengths within Métis mental wellness. This approach is not only methodologically sound but also inherently respectful and empowering. A significant strength of this work lies in its qualitative methodology, which facilitated a deep understanding of Métis ways of being, knowing, and doing, as articulated by eight kehtêyak. The emergence of four overarching wellness themes—identity, community, spirituality, and wholism—is particularly insightful, reflecting a comprehensive and integrated understanding of health that transcends Western biomedical models. Crucially, the practical application of these findings is immediately evident: informing the development of a community organization’s Youth Life Promotion Project. The co-creation of wellness videos through the Youth Leadership Kinship Circle exemplifies a powerful model of community engagement and self-determination, ensuring that interventions are not only culturally relevant but also actively shaped by the youth themselves. The research makes a valuable contribution by directly addressing critical gaps in Métis mental wellness knowledge, presenting an Indigenous-led framework that can guide future initiatives. By amplifying the voices of kehtêyak and translating their wisdom into tangible, youth-focused projects, this study offers a robust blueprint for fostering well-being that is rooted in cultural identity and community strength. The potential for this work to empower Métis youth, strengthen intergenerational connections, and inform policy and practice in a culturally sensitive manner is considerable, establishing it as an important step forward in culturally affirming wellness promotion.

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