Resources
Do some virtual crafting
Virtual beading circles are empowering Indigenous youth throughout North America. Why not gather some friends and family and get creative? Learn more in this Vogue magazine article on virtual beadwork circles.
Take the young warrior quest!
Want to learn more about managing your feelings and stay calm? Check out the Cuystwi Transformation to Young Warrior Quest.
Find balance with Foundry
If you're feeling too busy or too sluggish to take good care of yourself these days, why not try Foundry? Foundry is a one-stop-shop for young people to access mental health and substance use services – and whole lot more.
Plan your journey to wellness
Check out the FNHA's Wellness Road Map! Do the self-assessment, identify your strengths and supports and then you'll be ready to take the first steps towards some useful lifestyle changes.
Get active with ISPARC
Did you know that I·SPARC (Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council) offers programs in your region to support and promote healthy active communities through sport, recreation and physical activity?
Watch this and get inspired
Check out the opening ceremonies from the 2020 All-Native Basketball tournament and picture yourself there. The tournament will be back before we know it!
Ask Auntie!
Ask Auntie is an online wellness journey for people who identify as girls and who want to learn more about an Indigenous perspective on health, relationships, culture and what it means to be a strong Indigenous girl.
Support is available!
Even though we need to keep our physical distance during COVID-19, we don't need to be alone on our journeys. There are services, apps and practices that provide help and healing during these uncertain times. Learn more from the FNHA fact sheet Mental Health and Wellness Resources for Youth.
Take this quiz!
It's not always easy to know when our mental health is at risk Sometimes we're the last ones to notice there are more bad days than good. Taking this quiz can point you towards steps you can take to start feeling better.
Watch a We Matter video (or make your own)
Hear what your peers have to say about getting through tough times. Check out some We Matter videos or download the Indigenous Youth Toolkit and make your own!
Learn your traditional language online
There are more than 50 languages available at the First Voices website. Or you could use the First Voices app on your smartphone.
Try a virtual smudge
Experience a virtual smudge provided by George Jeffery.
Bring your friends together
Do you have an idea for an activity or project that will connect youth or students? Receive a grant of up to $500 for projects that connect people socially or involve sharing skills or talents with each other. Learn more on the Neighbourhood Small Grants website.
Become a leader
Skill development and education (whether it's traditional or contemporary) allow us to grow as individuals and become leaders in our communities. Check out this FNHA news article about First Nations education and ways to find funding for going to school or finding a cool job!
Start your own small business!
Do you have a skill or an idea that you could turn into a business? Then check out the BC 3C Challenge. Understand how to connect community, culture and commerce – the 3 Cs! A mentor and $1,000 in investment funds will be there to support you.
Staying Well and Connected
The COVID-19 pandemic has really changed the way we live. Just being in a global health crisis is stressful. Keeping active, pursuing hobbies, even hanging out with friends – they're all complicated when you have to follow rules about social bubbles and physical distancing. But despite these challenges, youth are finding ways to enjoy life and stay mentally and emotionally healthy.
Below are profiles of several Indigenous youth who are working to stay connected – to their friends, their communities, and their culture. See their pages for personal messages and videos about staying well during the pandemic.
Video Playlist
Messages from Youth about Staying Well Youth (Full Playlist on YouTube)
Resources Master List
Annual All-Native Basketball Tournament 2020 Opening Ceremonies
Ask Auntie Journey
BC 3C Challenge: Entrepreneurial Training for Indigenous Youth
Bounce Back Youth Quiz
Explore Languages (First Voices)
Foundry
Good Medicine article on financial assistance for students
ISPARC (Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council)
Mental Health and Wellness Resources for Youth
Neighbourhood Small Grants
Planning Your Journey to Wellness: A Road Map
Transformation to Young Warrior (Indigenous Youth Wellness)
Virtual Smudge (with George Jeffery) (requires login to Facebook)
Vogue magazine artilce on how virtual beading circles are empowering Indigenous women
We Matter Campaign and Toolkit for Indigenous Youth
