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Jul 13, 2020 · Abstract. This paper describes the power of storytelling in the context of an Indigenous youth collective, which. gathers each week to share their lived experiences and learn song, dance, and...
- Abstract
- The Maskwacis Community
- Research Questions and Purpose
- Research Methods and Processes
- Findings
- Discussion
- Acknowledgements
There are more than 600 First Nations communities and 60 Indigenous languages in Canada (1). With an international reputation for multiculturalism and inclusion, there are a myriad venues for celebrating Indigenous cultures throughout Canada. However, Canada has a long history of colonialism and exclusion that continues to impact Indigenous people ...
The Maskwacis community is located in Alberta, Canada, and consists of four Plains Cree Nations with a combined population of approximately 15,000. National media attention has focused on crime and gang violence in Maskwacis, largely ignoring the rich and vibrant Cree culture that threads the four Nations together. In Maskwacis, Cree history, cultu...
In the face of negative media attention, community members and elders identified the importance of promoting community strengths and reframing perceptions of Maskwacis. Toward this aim, two research questions were addressed: 1) How do youth in Maskwacis view their community strengths? and 2) To what extent can photographs be used as a tool for refr...
Community-based participatory research
The current study followed a community-based participatory research approach (CBPR) (21,22). CBPR is well suited for research with Indigenous communities, because it yields equitable researcher–participant participation and power relations (23–25). Methods for the current study were approved by Human Research Ethics Board 1 at the University of Alberta.
Participants
Two elders and 11 youth (age 15 to 19) were engaged. Maskwacis school staff identified students for project participation. The project coordinator visited students at their schools to discuss the project. Next, the project coordinator and a community partner visited students’ homes to garner parental consent for participation. Parents were offered a small gift in appreciation.
Training
Photovoice begins by providing participants with cameras and photography training. For the current project, two experienced Indigenous photographers provided technical training, while two community elders mentored youth to recognize their community’s positive assets. Youth also worked with the project coordinator over a series of ten sessions to explore their community and capture photographs.
Photos and descriptions
Participants captured more than 200 photos and selected 40 as most representative of their experiences. Youth also provided descriptions for the 40 photos. Analysis of the visual content of photos and accompanying verbal descriptions resulted in four themes, depicted in Figure 1.
Questionnaires
In total, 392 questionnaires were distributed at photo exhibits. Participants responded to questions related to the photos and the Maskwacis community. Data analysis did not result in significant differences among responses between data collection sites. Accordingly, questionnaire data from all photo exhibit sites are presented together.
The current photovoice project, which aimed to positively reframe perceptions of the Maskwacis community, was undertaken in response to concerns from Indigenous community members about the negative perceptions that are widely held about their community. This was not to ignore the current social issues that Maskwacis struggles with and that can larg...
This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Board 1, University of Alberta. Institution where the work originated: University of Alberta.
- Melissa Tremblay, Lola Baydala, Randy Littlechild, Elaine Chiu, Troy Janzen
- 2018
Mar 1, 2009 · Crafting a strong cultural identity is a particularly important developmental task for Indigenous and other ethnic minority young people who experience discrimination, racism, and prejudice."
For multicultural youth, navigating cultural identity during adolescence involves balancing the influences of different cultures, languages, and traditions, while also engaging in intercultural relations and reconciling their position as an ethnic minority with dominant identities.
Aug 9, 2023 · These stories shed light on the critical role that Indigenous Youth play as a lynchpin between their peoples’ historical contributions to a livable planet and their capacity to do so in the future. To do so, they need greater recognition and support to empower their efforts.
Jul 31, 2022 · A strong positive ethnoracial identity has been found to protect youth of color from the negative psychological effects of racism. In their protocol for trauma -focused CBT for African American...
People also ask
Why do Indigenous young people need a strong cultural identity?
Does cultural identity play a role in Indigenous Youth Wellness and resilience?
Why is cultural identity important?
What is the power of storytelling in an indigenous youth collective?
Encouraging teens to explore their cultural identity can help them create a more positive sense of self. It can also improve their connections with others and give them a greater understanding of the world around them.
