FNUC Embarks On Theatre-Based Youth Research Study

FNUC Embarks On Theatre-Based Youth Research Study

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 14:06

 

 

The First Nations University of Canada will spend the next four years using theatre to study youth and their decision-making regarding healthy and unhealthy behaviours.

 

The university is working in partnership with File Hills Qu’Appelle Health Services and Concordia University.

 

Jo-Ann Episkenew is one of the professors on the research team.

 

She says the research project follows on the heels of a similar pilot project, where students acted out skits regarding their health.

 

Episkenew says the students have a lot of fun, which goes a long ways.

 

“What the students told us is the games and the whole workshop helped them with their self-confidence, and helped them feel better about themselves. And those are huge pre-requisites toward making healthy choices. If you feel good about yourself, you can say ‘yes’ to good things and ‘no’ to bad things,” she says.

 

Episkenew says this type of research is important, as it gives young people a voice.

 

Once the research is complete, the findings will be shared with other Indigenous youth, community members and policy makers.