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C O N N E C T E D N O R T H : A J O U R N E Y O F T R A N S F O R M AT I O N & W E L L- B E I N G 12 A wealth of research illustrates the complex, negative health effects of exposure to generational trauma and the constellation of social, emotional, and community-level consequences that arise from systemic neglect, racism, deprivation, and oppression (The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015; Wilson & Rosenberg, 2002). These effects include a heightened risk for mental illness (e.g., addiction, depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders), disengagement from school and reduced future employment opportunities (Allen & Smylie, 2015; Kirmayer, Simpson, & Cargo, 2003; Larsen & Johnson, 2012). Connected North provides a means to address some of these issues by providing students with a chance to learn, practice, and reflect on their Well-Being within a learning context during each class. Principles Connected North is guided by the following program principles: 1. Relationship building: Building trust with students, educators, and communities by demonstrating respect, humility and transparency in all that we do. The effects of colonialism and residential schools, among others, have required attention to the role of trust and relationships as part of the healing process. Indigenous cultures place considerable trust in themselves, family, community, and the spirit world and the forces of colonialism and residential schools (among others) has substantially hurt that trust, which is a foundation of community Well-Being (Atkinson et al., 2017). 2. Thinking beyond the classroom: Understanding that students' experiences within the classroom cannot be disconnected from their realities outside of the classroom including historical and social contexts. This approach provides a means of meaningful engagement with students on health issues by making their lives relevant to the curriculum and what happens in the classroom relevant to their health and Well-Being. This also embraces a systems approach by linking the student, family, and community together with the class, classroom, and school at once through a coordinated approach (Weare & Markham, 2005). 3. Culturally relevant content: Valuing the role of culture in learning by integrating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives wherever possible. Disconnection from cultural practices, traditions, knowledge, and spiritual history can have a debilitating effect on Indigenous communities where they are integral to identity and Well-Being. Providing a means to (re)connect and experience these traditional forms of knowledge and ways of being are pathways to individual, school, and community Well-Being (Deer & Falkenberg, 2016). Relationship Building Connected North Principles Empowerment Through Role Models Relationship Building Connected North Principles Thinking Beyond the Classroom Empowerment Through Role Models Adapting Expectations Relationship Building North Principles Thinking Beyond the Classroom Culturally Relevant Content

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