Mobilizing the health benefits of being in nature through community-based participatory research and youth engagement

  • Sarah Prosper (she/they/nekm) is from Eskasoni Mi’kmaq First Nation. Sarah’s practice encompasses a lens that deepens the threads of respect and reciprocity to dance, movement, social sciences, social justice, mental health and the land. Sarah is a graduate of Dalhousie University’s BSc in Therapeutic Recreation Program and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Leisure Studies Degree. Sarah is an international performer and collaborator in multidisciplinary forms, in addition to her graduate studies.  

Spending time in natural environments and nature-based programming is associated with significant health benefits. These outcomes are particularly important for Indigenous youth, whose mental health and wellbeing continues to be a priority for healthcare in Nova Scotia (NS) and nationally. There is a need for further research that includes NS youth perspectives and identifies their experiences, needs, barriers, and enablers for sustained participation.

This study will engage a group of Indigenous youth from Eskasoni Mi’kmaq First Nation in a photovoice project to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences of nature and nature-based programming, and the disparities that exist in access and provision. Photovoice engages participants as co-researchers to visually document, share, and advocate for change in matters that are meaningful to their everyday lives to identify recommendations, including an Indigenous youth-designed action plan, to guide policy and program decisions, and research related to nature-based services for Indigenous youth.

This photovoice project is part of a larger study, Outdoor Health, exploring youth experiences and access to nature in NS.

This project is co-funded in partnership with Mitacs and Research NS.