“I think community is what keeps us all healthy”: Findings from online interviews exploring health priorities and research engagement preferences with Métis youth in Ontario

Objectives There is limited research on the health priorities and research engagement preferences of Métis youth, a vital population for promoting Métis-specific health outcomes. Together with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) and the Métis Nation of Ontario Youth Council (MNOYC), we explored this topic. Methods This study (April 2022–August 2025) used an Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing framework to weave Western and Métis worldviews. Community- and land-based engagements, an online survey, and online semi-structured interviews were used to explore the health priorities of MNO youth citizens. This paper reports on the findings of the online interviews, which were the only method that explored research engagement preferences. MNO citizen youth participants (16–29 years) were recruited through the MNO’s pre-existing social media channels, website, the MNOYC’s email listserv, and kin-based recruitment. Data from the interviews were transcribed, anonymized, thematically analyzed, and presented back to youth for verification. Results An inductive thematic analysis generated the following themes: Cost of Living, Métis Ways of Living, Connecting/Sense of Community, Wholistic Health, Healthcare Access, Métis Identity and Lateral Violence, Programming Considerations, and Research Preferences. Community, land, and culture are fundamental to the wholistic health of Métis youth. Métis youth identified impediments to health such as cost of living, barriers to traditional and Western medicine, and lateral violence. Importantly, Métis youth want to be active decision makers. Conclusion This project contributes important insights regarding Métis youth health. Métis youth know themselves best, should be empowered to self-determine, and be included in health research, policy, and program development at all levels of government.