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Observational Study
. 2015 Aug 10:74:27672.
doi: 10.3402/ijch.v74.27672. eCollection 2015.

Evaluation of the Kòts'iìhtła ("We Light the Fire") Project: building resiliency and connections through strengths-based creative arts programming for Indigenous youth

Sahar Fanian  1   2 , Stephanie K Young  1 , Mason Mantla  3 , Anita Daniels  4 , Susan Chatwood  1   2
Affiliations
Observational Study

Evaluation of the Kòts'iìhtła ("We Light the Fire") Project: building resiliency and connections through strengths-based creative arts programming for Indigenous youth

Sahar Fanian et al. Int J Circumpolar Health. .

Abstract

Background: The creative arts - music, film, visual arts, dance, theatre, spoken word, literature, among others - are gradually being recognised as effective health promotion tools to empower, engage and improve the health and well-being in Indigenous youth communities. Arts-based programming has also had positive impacts in promoting health, mental wellness and resiliency amongst youth. However, often times the impacts and successes of such programming are not formally reported on, as reflected by the paucity of evaluations and reports in the literature.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate a creative arts workshop for Tłįchǫ youth where youth explored critical community issues and found solutions together using the arts. We sought to identify the workshop's areas of success and challenge. Ultimately, our goal is to develop a community-led, youth-driven model to strengthen resiliency through youth engagement in the arts in circumpolar regions.

Design: Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted observational field notes, focus groups, questionnaires, and reflective practice to evaluate the workshop. Four youth and five facilitators participated in this process overall.

Results: Youth reported gaining confidence and new skills, both artistic and personal. Many youth found the workshop to be engaging, enjoyable and culturally relevant. Youth expressed an interest in continuing their involvement with the arts and spreading their messages through art to other youth and others in their communities.

Conclusions: Engagement and participation in the arts have the potential to build resiliency, form relationships, and stimulate discussions for community change amongst youth living in the North.

Keywords: Dene; Indigenous; community-based research; creative arts; evaluation; health promotion; mixed methods; resiliency; suicide prevention; youth.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Kformula imagets'iìhtła goals.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Promotional poster for the Kformula imagets'iìhtła Workshop.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Workshop facilitators on the last day of the workshop in front of the collaborative mural that the youth created with workshop facilitator Charlotte Overvold. Photo credit: Sahar Fanian.
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Recording components of the music for “We Write the Future”. Photo credit: Sahar Fanian.
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Youth and facilitators in action, shooting scenes for the music video We Write the Future. Photo credit: Sahar Fanian.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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