Table 2 Features of promising practices that apply to IS and PHIR for and with Indigenous youth

Culturally safe

There should be no stigma, shame and blame. Knowing and doing should enable learning.

Wellness–based and fun

Knowing and doing should be uplifting and fun – Indigenous youth are inspiring and lookingfor inspiration.

Accessible

Knowing and doing needs to be accessible. Efforts should be made to tailor language andcommunication tools in ways that speak to Indigenous youth (e.g. social media). Also,programs and services need to lower barriers – Indigenous youth should not need toidentify as at-risk to be eligible as it further victimizes them and as an approach it often failsto acknowledge its basis in colonialism.

Youth-determined

Empower youth and allow them to define what this means to them as it is both contextualand diverse.

Peer and Youth-led

The most promising and relevant knowing and doing is led by youth. At the very least, itshould be partnered with youth, where they have clear roles and responsibilities andopportunities for mentorship and leadership. These roles would apply to management andgovernance over funding and resources.

Resourced

Knowing and doing about, for and with Indigenous youth needs to be well resourced. Fundsneed to be allocated toward engaging and partnering with youth, compensating youth, andproviding opportunities for training, mentorship and employment. Youth should and need tobe involved in improving their well-being and these contributions should not be undervaluedor undermined by a lack of available resources.