Closing the gap: Identifying risk and resilience factors influencing mental health and wellness among First Nations children and youth

Indigenous children and youth experience poorer health and wellness compared to those in the general population. These health gaps have been attributed to the intergenerational consequences of harmful colonization practices, continued systemic discrimination, and social determinants of health that further disadvantage Indigenous peoples. In this regard, within First Nations communities in Canada very young children and youth are disproportionately dying by suicide, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention. However, empirical evidence elucidating the factors contributing to Indigenous children and youth mental health is lacking. To address this gap, we propose a mixed methods approach to obtain an in-depth understanding of the pathways influencing the mental health of First Nations children and youth. We will examine the risk factors, such as historical and current community stressors, as well as the resiliency factors, such as community belonging, that lead to or protect against First Nations children and youth suicide and comorbid conditions. This will begin with the analyses of nationally representative surveys to examine First Nations children and youth living in reserve communities and those living in urban regions of Canada. Additionally, we will conduct a qualitative study with mental health service providers who work directly with Indigenous youth to gather a richer understanding and story of Indigenous child and youth mental health. It is expected that this work will provide an in-depth understanding of factors contributing to the mental health disparities that exist for Indigenous children and youth, with a view to inform evidence-based strategies for prevention, identification and treatment.