A systematic review that focused on Arctic Indigenous Youth identified factors found to enhance their mental well-being. Many of the protective factors identified were not unique to Indigenous youth, such as positive parent-child relationships. However, some more specific factors emerged for Arctic Indigenous youth. These included living in communities that embraced Traditional Knowledge and cultural revitalization, and having kinship structures that emphasized family connections. These findings led the authors to stress the importance of community and culture for Arctic Indigenous youth. Applying these findings, practitioners can promote mental well-being by supporting Indigenous youth to connect with their cultures. Policy-makers can also play a role by supporting Indigenous communities to ensure that their cultures flourish.

For more information, see Vol. 17, No. 2 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.