79 Exploring Inuit youth experiences in an urban setting through photovoice

Abstract Background Inuit youth face significant mental health challenges, with suicide rates disproportionately high compared to other Indigenous groups in Canada. These alarming rates underscore the need for targeted research and initiatives to support Inuit mental wellness, especially in urban centers with growing Inuit populations. Inuit youth in urban settings often lack access to culturally safe programming, a challenge particularly true in Winnipeg, where initiatives mainly target First Nations and Métis, the predominant Indigenous groups in Manitoba. Protective factors such as family ties, cultural identity, and community connection are essential for fostering resilience and well-being. Yet, many Inuit youth in Winnipeg lack safe spaces to nurture these strengths. This study uses photovoice to capture insights into the protective factors and challenges Inuit youth face in Winnipeg, aiming to inform Inuit-focused wellness interventions. Objectives To explore Inuit youth’s perspectives on mental wellness in Winnipeg by identifying protective factors, cultural influences, and community connections that contribute to well-being. The study aims to provide a platform for Inuit youth to authentically voice the challenges and supports to their mental wellbeing and identity in an urban environment. Using photovoice, the study seeks to inform future health and wellness programs tailored to the unique needs of urban Inuit youth, addressing gaps in culturally relevant mental health support and promoting resilience through community engagement and cultural continuity. Design/Methods This study employed a participatory action research framework rooted in Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit ways of knowing) to ensure cultural safety and relevance. Three workshops were conducted with Inuit youth in Winnipeg, in partnership with the Manitoba Inuit Association and local Elders, who provided guidance and cultural insight. The first workshop introduced the photovoice method, fostering trust within the group through storytelling and discussion. In the second workshop, participants captured photos reflecting aspects of their well-being and challenges, which they shared and discussed together. The final workshop included a reflection session with mind mapping and storytelling, helping participants connect personal experiences with broader themes of mental wellness, community, and cultural identity. This approach highlighted both the protective factors and challenges to the mental wellness of Inuit youth living in Winnipeg, offering meaningful insights that can guide future Inuit-centric wellness initiatives. Results Participants took a total of 46 photos, with 16 chosen for analysis after some opted not to share certain images. A central theme for nearly all participants was the importance of community and social relationships for mental wellness. Strong familial and social ties in their home communities provided collective care, fostering a sense of safety and belonging that participants found often lacking in Winnipeg. Inuit organizations like Tunngasugit offered a crucial network, helping youth connect with other Inuit and rebuild a sense of community in the city. Cultural traditions also emerged as essential to mental wellness, with participants expressing a strong connection to practices like hunting, preparing country foods, and engaging in traditional activities. These practices acted as protective factors, reinforcing Inuit identity. While traditional foods like muktuk and arctic char were less accessible in Winnipeg, community events occasionally offered them, helping youth maintain cultural ties. Elements of nature, including trees and green spaces, were associated with grounding and comfort. Participants noted contrasts between Winnipeg’s urban landscape and their northern homes, especially in water cleanliness and communal respect for the land. Additionally, participants described facing racism and discrimination in Winnipeg, encountering barriers to culturally relevant services and emphasizing the need for supports specifically tailored to Inuit experiences in urban settings. Conclusion This study highlights the resilience of Inuit youth in Winnipeg and the need for culturally responsive mental health support. Findings emphasize that community, cultural traditions, and nature are crucial for promoting mental well-being. Inuit-run organizations play a vital role, fostering social support and helping recreate community bonds. Future programs for urban Inuit youth should incorporate these elements, promoting cultural continuity and well-being. This research supports the development of Inuit-specific wellness initiatives tailored to urban settings.

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