Understanding the impacts of COVID-19 on the Oneida Nation of the Thames

Attention, attention! We are thrilled to announce the recipient of our COVID-19 impact grant, in partnership with Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC).

The child and youth mental health sector had to quickly pivot and adapt to support children, young people and families during these times of uneasiness and physical distancing. That’s why we called on researchers and agencies to test out big ideas and novel solutions that emerged in response to the pandemic. More specifically, we asked them to help us understand the mental health impacts of COVID-19 on children and young people, with a focus on families from vulnerable groups who experience challenges in accessing and receiving high-quality mental health care.

We are thrilled to introduce the selected project:

Lona' tshistanet (meaning Firekeepers): Enhancing Coming of Age (COA) for Oneida

(project leads: Dr. Jason Brown, Western University; Dr. Dan Ashbourne, London Family Court Clinic; Ms. Kahawani Doxtator, Indigenous Consultant, London Family Court Clinic)

Does this project ring a bell? It should! In 2018, the team received one of our Innovation Initiatives grants to support the development of their Coming of Age program. They tested a culturally appropriate, youth-designed resilience program for Indigenous youth in the London-Middlesex region. The program explored how youth can connect to the natural environment in meaningful ways in addition to increasing community safety, civic engagement and respect for the land. Their project was a success and they’re now expanding the scope of the program to respond to the needs that emerged during the pandemic.

Check out our Innovation page to learn more about this project!