Teaching Cultural Survival: Using Indigenous Education Methods for Healing

Due to their historical trauma, it is paramount for Indigenous communities to take control of their health and wellness today to ensure the survival of Indigenous people. This study examines the perceptions of multicultural health educators on the effectiveness of using multiethnic approaches for health education in the Belcourt Youth Activities Program (BYAP). In this study, data were collected using interviews and online surveys of multiethnic Indigenous wellness educators. The findings revealed that BYAP took a multiethnic approach to Indigenous wellness education. The data analysis indicated that (1) the use of community-based learning and land-based learning strategies contributed to the concept of culture as medicine; and (2) the use of the Seven Teachings approach to Indigenous education was viewed as a tool of decolonization by educators; it helps to build a sense of community and helps us to survive in the evolving world today.