Peer supporters bring lived experience into mental health and addiction services, but integration into multidisciplinary systems can also create new workplace pressures. Haley Bonnell’s research with Lifewise is examining how work context shapes peer supporters’ mental health, well-being and experience of their roles.

Restorative justice may offer survivors of sexual violence another way to pursue accountability and healing, but programs need to reflect Indigenous perspectives and community needs. Maureen Plante’s project builds on earlier community-engaged work to bring Indigenous-specific input into guidance for developing restorative justice programs in Alberta.

For Indigenous youth in care, identity and belonging should be understood in their own words, not defined only by the systems around them. Raymond Jordan Johnson-Brown is working with youth and Tasiutigiit to explore how storytelling, creative activities and youth-directed research can support conversations about mental wellness and a stronger sense of belonging.

Healing from trauma is deeply shaped by relationships, culture and community. Working with Aqqiumavvik Society in Arviat, Karen Aglukark explored Inuit understandings of healing and social support, generating community-informed knowledge to support more culturally respectful mental health research and practice in Nunavut.

Violence-prevention programs need to reflect the experiences and needs of the women they are designed to support. Jersee Hill’s research will gather professional and lived perspectives from Indigenous women to help strengthen Connections, a program for women with young children who have experienced violence in relationships.

Recovery from addiction and intergenerational trauma can look different when healing is grounded in culture, community and lived experience. Peter Gilhuly’s Sacred Synergy project worked with Takla Nation to explore community-led approaches to recovery, creating space for people to share their experiences and identify culturally grounded pathways toward healing and wellness.

Economic abuse can limit a person’s independence, safety and well-being, particularly when access to housing, employment and financial resources is already constrained. Cree researcher Dante Carter is examining how colonial economic structures intersect with experiences of economic abuse in Onion Lake Cree Nation, and how Cree perspectives and community-led approaches may inform healing and economic well-being.