This research explores and supports the importance of Indigenous cultural knowledge and practices as guiding factors in understanding the agency and actions of Indigenous youth in seeking justice while journeying across the land. The article examines the work of Indigenous scholars and the significance of Indigenous knowledge in connecting to the land and natural environment, thus contributing to ‘being alive well’. An example from Indigenous youth-focused research is highlighted to hear from the youth about the importance of being on ancestral land, journeying with peers and more importantly (re)gaining a sense of well-being and health through culture-based activism.
AdelsonN.‘Being Alive well’: health and the politics of Cree well-being. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press; 2002.
3.
FreemanB.The spirit of Haudenosaunee youth: the transformation of identity and well-being through culture-based activism [Unpublished Dissertation Thesis]. Kitchener, ON: Wilfred Laurier University; 2015.
4.
MussellBCardiffKWhiteJ.The mental health and well-being of aboriginal children and youth: guidance for new approaches and services. A report prepared for the British Columbia Ministry of Children and Family Development.Chilliwack, BC: Sal’I’shan Institute; 2004.
5.
Women’s Earth Alliance, Native Youth Sexual Health Network. Violence on the land, violence on our bodies: building an Indigenous response to environmental violence [Internet]. Women’s Earth Alliance and Native Youth Sexual Health Network; 2016 [cited 2018 Nov 16]. Available from http://landbodydefense.org/uploads/files/VLVBReportToolkit2016.pdf.
6.
GreenwoodMde LeeuwSLindsayN.Challenges in health equity for Indigenous peoples in Canada. Lancet. 2018; 391: 1645–1648.
7.
HolmesL.Heart knowledge, blood memory, and the voice of the land: implications of research among Hawaiian Elders. In: HallSDRosenburgG (eds). Indigenous knowledges in global contexts: multiple readings of our world. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press; 2000. pp.37–53.
8.
Brave Heart-JordanM. The return to the sacred path: healing from historical trauma and unresolved grief among the Lakota [dissertation thesis]. Northhampton, MA: Smith College School for Social Work; 1995.
9.
TangKJardineCG.Our way of life: importance of indigenous culture and tradition to physical activity practices. Int J Indig Health. 2016; 11: 211–227.
10.
UlturgashevaORasmusSMorrowP.Collapsing the distance: indigenous‑youth engagement in a circumpolar study of youth resilience. Arctic Anthropol [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2018 Nov 16]; 52: 60–70. Available from https://muse.jhu.edu/article/587930.
11.
MacMillanHLMacMillanABOffordDRDingleJL.Aboriginal health. Can Med Assoc J. 1996; 155: 1569–1578.
12.
TrinidadAMO. Toward kuleana (responsibility): a case study of a contextually grounded intervention for Native Hawaiian youth and young adults. Aggress Violent Behav. 2009; 14: 488–498.
13.
VanceAMcGawJWintherJRaynerM.Towards an aboriginal knowledge place: cultural practices as a pathway to wellness in the context of a tertiary hospital. Int J Indig Health. 2016; 11: 244–261.
14.
ErmineW.Aboriginal epistemology. In: BattisteMBarmanJ (eds). First Nations education in Canada: the circle unfolds. Vancouver, BC: UBC Press; 1995.pp. 101–112.
15.
DaigleM.Awawanenitakik: The spatial politics of recognition and relational geographies of Indigenous self-determination. Can Geogr. 2016; 60: 259–269.
16.
HuntS.Ontologies of Indigeneity: the politics of embodying a concept. Cult Geogr. 2014; 21: 27–32.
17.
AtleoER.Principles of Tsawalk: an Indigenous approach to global crisis. Vancouver, BC: UBC Press; 2011.
18.
SimpsonLB.As we have always done: indigenous freedom through radical resistance. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press; 2017.
19.
WattsV.Indigenous place-thought & agency amongst humans and non-humans (First Woman and Sky Woman go on a European world tour!). Decol Indig Ed Soc. 2013; 2: 20–34.
20.
BlackTD’ArcySWeisT (eds). A line in the tar sands: struggles for environmental justice. Oakland, CA: PM Press; 2014.
21.
AlfredT.Wasase: Indigenous pathways of action and freedom. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press; 2005.
22.
LaDukeW.Winona Laduke chronicles: stories from the front lines in the battle for environmental justice. Black Point, NS: Fernwood Publishing; 2017.
23.
HillR.Oral memory of the Haudenosaunee, views of the two row wampum. NW Ind Quart. 1990; Spring: 21–30.
24.
SwampJ.Kanikonriio: Power of a good mind. In: DavisL, (ed). Alliances: re/envisioning Indigenous-non-Indigenous relationships. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press; 2010.
25.
MitchellMDarnesBThompsonJ.Traditional teachings. Cornwall Island: North American; 1984.
26.
AbsolonK.Kaandossiwin: how we come to know. Halifax: Fernwood Publishing; 2011.
27.
KovachM.Indigenous methodologies: characteristics, conversations, and contexts. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto Press; 2010.
28.
WilsonS.Research is ceremony: indigenous research methods. Black Point, NS: Fernwood Publishing; 2008.
29.
ArchibaldJA. Indigenous Storywork: educating the heart, mind, body, and spirit. Vancouver, BC: UBC press; 2008.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Tri-Council Policy Statement: ethical conduct for research involving humans [Internet]. 2014 [cited 2018Nov16]. Available from: http://www.pre.ethics.gc.ca/pdf/eng/tcps2-2014/TCPS_2_FINAL_Web.pdf.
RunnerIHMarshallK.‘Miracle Survivors’ promoting resilience in Indian students. Trib. Coll. 2003; 14: 14–18.
34.
WexlerL.The importance of identity, history, and culture in the wellbeing of Indigenous youth. J His Childh You. 2009; 2: 267–276.
35.
FlemingJLedogarRJ.Resilience and indigenous spirituality: a literature review. Pimatisiwin: J Amer Ind Comm H. 2008; 6: 47–64.
36.
McGuire–KishebakabaykwePD.Exploring resilience and Indigenous ways of knowing. Pimatisiwin: J Amer Ind Comm H. 2010; 8: 117–131.
37.
BarreiroJ.Thinking in Indian: a John Mohawk reader. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing; 2010.
38.
WilliamsL.He Whanaunga Tērā: the politics and practice of an Indigenous and intercultural approach to ecological well-being. In: WilliamsLRobertsRAMcIntoshA (eds). Radical human ecology: intercultural and indigenous approaches. New York, NY: Ashgate Publishing; 2012.
