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a buzzword. Many groups are getting involved in this
work with good intentions, but often their approaches
are perpetuating the same issues that they claim to
be fighting against. As Indigenous youth we are often
tokenized and we are rarely compensated appropriately
for our time and knowledge; there is often a sense of
entitlement to our stories and decisions about what
we need are being made for us without Indigenous
leadership guiding them.
Supporting wellness and leadership development
for Indigenous youth requires more than good
intentions. We need people to understand our
perspectives and to engage with us in ways that
are grounded in mutual respect and earned trust.
This work takes time, patience, and humility to
recognize that sometimes efforts that you may think
are being supportive can actually be problematic
and harmful.
