Southern Dakelh youth experiences of wellness: Building strength across three First Nations communities in Canada

Purpose This study explored how Southern Dakelh First Nations youth experience wellness and navigate access to support within their community contexts in central British Columbia, Canada. Methods Funded through Jordan's Principle and guided by a First Nations-centred research framework, this community-based study used a sequential mixed-methods design. Twenty-nine youth aged 14 to 19 years completed a strength mapping survey and participated in interviews or focus groups. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings from both strands were integrated and reviewed with Elders, youth and local partners to ensure that they reflected community perspectives. Main findings Youth identified friends, family, culture and determination as key sources of wellness, alongside peer and youth-led cultural practices and supportive relationships in school and community contexts. Youth described navigating different expectations across home, community and off-community settings, while also facing long school commutes, racism, limited services, food insecurity and gaps across health, education and social systems, contributing to feelings of isolation even in communities close to urban centres. Principal conclusions Youth wellness is shaped through relational and cultural strengths operating within broader structural conditions. Jordan's Principle implementation would better support First Nations youth if funding was directed toward the support that youth themselves identify as central to their wellness.