Participating First Nations
We chose 2 applications to take part in the pilot. The participating First Nations governments are:
- Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation; and
- the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation as a coalition.
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation leads this work independently. The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and Selkirk First Nation are working together as a coalition, with project management support from Government of Yukon.
How the pilot works
The pilot helps communities understand what affects youth wellbeing. This includes substance use, mental health, social connection and resilience.
Each participating First Nation or coalition will:
- build a local coalition to guide the work;
- engage youth, community members, Knowledge Keepers and Elders;
- collect and review local data;
- identify local risk and protective factors;
- plan prevention actions based on community priorities; and
- monitor progress over 5 years.
Each participating First Nation or coalition will work with local partners to support youth surveys. These surveys help gather reliable local data.
About the Icelandic Prevention Model
Developed by Planet Youth, the Icelandic Prevention Model helps stop substance use before it starts. It uses local data and partnerships to guide prevention work.
The model includes the following:
- Primary prevention: stop substance use before it starts
- Community action: involve schools, families, youth and community partners
- Data use: support decisions with reliable information
- Teamwork: bring together researchers, leaders and community members
- Tailored solutions: reflect each community’s needs, strengths and culture
Funding
We’ve set aside $2.3 million over 5 years for this pilot.
The funding supports:
- work with Planet Youth;
- project planning and coordination;
- community coalition meetings;
- youth data collection;
- prevention planning;
- community-led actions; and
- project monitoring and review.
We provide guidance and project management support as needed.
Timeline
- 2024: planning, expression of interest released and project start-up
- 2025: project planning, coalition forming, and learning modules began with Planet Youth
- 2026-27: participating First Nations begin data collection and implement actions
- 2026-29: community-led prevention planning and actions, supported by ongoing data collection
The pilot runs for 5 years. Participating First Nations and coalitions will use data and local priorities to guide their work and adjust over time.
