Shibogama’s Youth Well-Being Program develops innovative online services amid COVID-19
Reeti Meenakshi Rohilla - Staff Writer
Shibogama First Nations Council’s Payahtakenemowin Youth Well-Being Program now offers online access to their services. The program is designed to support Shibogama youth that leave their communities to attend high school or to receive specialized services. The Payahtakenemowin Program Consultant Brenda Dovick, shared, “These services are being created with you in mind. It is your space to get support, see your friends, meet new ones and learn more about traditional ways of life. This is your home away from home online. You are not alone and there are people here who care about you.”
She explained that historically, the Shibogama First Nation communities have had limited access to youth mental health resources. The geographic location of these communities limit access to services, raising the costs of bringing in mental health supports in comparison to urban services. “With the onset of travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19, the barriers have increased tenfold as youth services are limited to travel to communities and many youth and their families are electing to stay home and attend school online, rather than leave the community.
“As a result, the program has had to develop some innovative approaches to bring the services to the youth. The need is still there and even more so, as youth face the stressors of not being able to attend school in the way they are used to, their peer circles are limited and many struggle with attending classes online.”
The program offers a variety of activities, counseling and cultural and land-based programming.
However, she added that the program comes with some challenges, “with limitations in internet connectivity and access to the tools needed to use the technology.” Dovick shared that many youth are shy to begin with, thus making it difficult to efficiently engage online. “The key is the presence the staff bring online and to be creative in engaging with youth where they're at. As far as adults who resist technology, they will need to embrace this new way of interacting.”
Dovick shared that Payahtakenemowin means "peace of mind" and is a name that was appointed by the Shibogama communities for the mental health services provided for the communities. She added that the program is therapeutic in nature and is designed to support the youth that leave their communities to attend high school or receive specialized services. The program is funded through the Choose Life Program, a funding agreement made between Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) and the Government of Canada as part of Jordan's Principle.
According to the Shibogama First Nations Council’s website, the Shibogama Area Tribal Council was established at the Kasabonika Lake Band Office on September 28th, 1984. It states that upon the incorporation of the Shibogama First Nations Council in January 1985, it officially became an organization that is controlled and governed by the Board of Directors, who are the Chiefs from each of the member First Nations. Communities that are a part of the Shibogama First Nations Council are: Kasabonika Lake First Nation, Kingfisher Lake First Nation, Wapekeka First Nation, Wawakapewin First Nation and Wunnumin Lake First Nation.
“Initially funded in 2017, the program was developed as a result of concerns expressed by the Shibogama member communities regarding the safety of youth, while they are away from home. It was recognized that youth needed a safe place to go to where they could participate in a wide variety of programming in addition to counseling in a welcoming environment with caring professionals who offer a variety of skill sets. The land-based and cultural component of the program is regarded as especially important in contributing to their identities as Indigenous persons and to offer a connection to the land, which is so prevalent in their home communities. The idea is to bring elements of home here in a sense, by also including Elders and Knowledge Keepers from their communities, which really helps to ease the extreme homesickness and loneliness, many of the youth experience. If not attended to, these feelings often lead to leaving school to return home and sadly, thoughts of suicide,” mentioned Dovick.
The staff are able to provide the online services upon request. They are motivating youth to share their input regarding the types of programming that they’d like to have available. Dovick mentioned that the program uses confidential and encrypted platforms, which are the most secure for counseling services, including expressive arts therapy. “The staff have been working on hosting group events where youth can connect with one another and promoting fun contests like "DIY Room Makeover". Another idea is to create a virtual "Shib Crib" with staff present, where youth can drop in online for support and be with their peers.
Dovick shared that the youth have named the downtown space where the program is located in Sioux Lookout as, "The Shib Crib,” that offers a welcoming and safe space for youth facing challenges, being away from their families and familiar environments.
Staff have also been offering livestreaming of land-based programming, such as hide tanning and medicine gathering.” She stated that these services are available at no cost to all youth that are members of the Shibogama communities.
“It is really exciting to see how the program staff will bring their work into virtual settings and create spaces for youth to connect. These enhancements will be a permanent part of the program and so helpful to reach youth who are reluctant to engage with in-person, are not in school by choice, or have returned home and want to continue their education.” She added that she is curious to also see Elders being introduced to the technology, to have them visit with the youth and bring their teachings online.
