Celebrating Our Strengths: A Strength-Based Approach to oskâyak (Youth) Mental Health and miyo-ayāwin (Wellness) From the Perspective of the oskâyak (Youth), kēhtēyak (Elders) and kayāsi kistēyihtamow kanawēyihcikēw (Traditional Knowledge Keepers) of pakitahaw sākahikan iýiniwak (Sturgeon Lake First Nation)

This study explored youth wellness in Sturgeon Lake First Nation through a Nation-requested, strength-based re-analysis of mental health services data collected in 2016. Guided by community-based participatory research and transformative learning, the project engaged youth, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers in the analysis. Forty youth, aged 11 to 25, participated; 90% were engaged in positive life activities, and 87.5% rated their health as good to excellent. Rather than focusing on challenges, youth emphasized family, community, home, relationships, and cultural opportunities as key contributors to wellness. Findings reflected resilience and underlined the importance of culturally grounded, relational research practices. The study demonstrated how participatory, Nation-led approaches can amplify youth voices and affirm inherent strengths within Indigenous communities.