Evaluation of the Kòts'iìhtła ("We Light the Fire") Project: building resiliency and connections through strengths-based creative arts programming for Indigenous youth.
BACKGROUND
The creative arts - music, film, visual arts, dance, theatre, spoken word, literature, among others - are gradually being recognised as effective health promotion tools to empower, engage and improve the health and well-being in Indigenous youth communities. Arts-based programming has also had positive impacts in promoting health, mental wellness and resiliency amongst youth. However, often times the impacts and successes of such programming are not formally reported on, as reflected by the paucity of evaluations and reports in the literature.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate a creative arts workshop for Tłįchǫ youth where youth explored critical community issues and found solutions together using the arts. We sought to identify the workshop's areas of success and challenge. Ultimately, our goal is to develop a community-led, youth-driven model to strengthen resiliency through youth engagement in the arts in circumpolar regions.


METHODS
Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted observational field notes, focus groups, questionnaires, and reflective practice to evaluate the workshop. Four youth and five facilitators participated in this process overall.


RESULTS
Youth reported gaining confidence and new skills, both artistic and personal. Many youth found the workshop to be engaging, enjoyable and culturally relevant. Youth expressed an interest in continuing their involvement with the arts and spreading their messages through art to other youth and others in their communities.


CONCLUSIONS
Engagement and participation in the arts have the potential to build resiliency, form relationships, and stimulate discussions for community change amongst youth living in the North.
Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada.|Social & Behavioral Health Science Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Sahar
S
Fanian
Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada.
Stephanie K
SK
Young
Community Action Research Team, Tłįchǫ Government, Behchokò, Northwest Territories, Canada; masonmantla@tlicho.com.
Mason
M
Mantla
Department of Community Programs, Tłįchǫ Government, Behchokò, Northwest Territories, Canada.
Anita
A
Daniels
Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada.|Social & Behavioral Health Science Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Susan
S
Chatwood
D000293:Adolescent; D001154:Art; D002170:Canada; D003405:Creativity; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D044382:Population Groups; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Dene; Indigenous; community-based research; creative arts; evaluation; health promotion; mixed methods; resiliency; suicide prevention; youth