Abstract
Aboriginal people in Canada face important obstacles to the achievement of optimal health and well-being. For Aboriginal youth in particular, these obstacles have lead to health disparities relative to the non-Aboriginal population. This study used the qualitative method of focused ethnography to explore this pressing concern from the perspective of the youth, educators, health care workers, parents, and elders of an Algonquin community located in Rapid Lake, Quebec. The overall goal was to assist community youth workers to design a culturally relevant program to promote well-being among local youth. The program and findings that resulted from this study suggest that the social practices encompassed within the Algonquin tradition of minododazin correspond with those researchers positively correlate with youth wellbeing. The program and findings that resulted from this study are of value to other Aboriginal communities seeking to address similar health concerns among their youth.
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