The stage at which the individual is located within the life course is another mediating factor of wellness. As a mediator of wellness, several important stages of the life course, as well as events within the life course, were discussed:
• children and youth
• adult
• elder
• adverse life events
Renee Williams discussed that, for all life spans, it is important that communities are able to determine how programs are delivered, what is culturally appropriate for them, and measures are in place to revise the programs specific to the needs of their communities. Gwen Phillips expressed a similar mindset, stating that "children are an investment in the future, and become what they are given."
Many presenters emphasized the importance …show more content…
It was suggested that if youth could have a platform to explore their identities and cultures as Indigenous peoples, as well as understand colonization and how the on-going cumulative impacts affect Indigenouspeople and families, that they may have a stronger foundation to depend on when encountering difficult periods in their lives. Thus, a key component of the program is an emphasis on building resilience in youth. Phase one of the Cuystwi program is currently being run in partnership communities for youth aged 10-12 years old. In the program, youth are invited to go on a quest that takes them through a series of online wellness activities and videos that are meant to be paired with activities in their existing community-based youth groups.
John Waldon discussed how no social group can remain cohesive and distinct if it is restricted by preventable and inequitable burden to nurture its children. Ted Mala acknowledged the need for youth to have mentorship. He discussed the importance of youth seeking out different mentors that have gone through challenges—recognizing that a mentor is not someone who has all of the answers, but is a source of support and