Scoping Review of Outdoor and Land-Based Prevention Programs for Indigenous Youth in the United States and Canada

TL;DR

This review explores outdoor and land-based programs for Indigenous youth in the U.S. and Canada, highlighting their cultural alignment and positive impacts on wellbeing.

Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive overview of program characteristics and outcomes for land-based prevention initiatives targeting Indigenous youth.

Findings

77% of the 153 programs were community-derived and emphasized cultural elements.

Programs showed positive impacts on self-esteem, mental health, and cultural connections.

Common activities included recreation, subsistence living, and sharing of Elder knowledge.

Abstract

Interventions taking place on the land are culturally well aligned for Native peoples, as they are often developed by the community and incorporate traditional knowledge, values, and practices. However, research on the effectiveness and characteristics of such programs is lacking. This scoping review examined outdoor and land-based prevention interventions for Indigenous adolescents ages 10–25 in the United States and Canada to identify program characteristics such as origination, aims, activities, duration, evaluation methods, and outcomes. Over three-fourths (77%) of the 153 programs identified were community-derived. The programs were principally strength-based and promoted protective factors for general wellbeing. The most common delivery format was short camps. Nearly all programs (97%) included an element of culture. The activities most often seen were recreation (84%), subsistence living (65%), and Elder knowledge sharing (63%). Thirty-three studies measured outcomes and included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method study designs. Studies found positive impacts on participants’ self-esteem and mental health; connections to culture, cultural pride, and identity; and connections to community including peers and Elders. The literature on outdoor and land-based prevention interventions for Indigenous youth is growing rapidly. Understanding program components is a first step to identifying the elements critical to effective programs for Indigenous youth.

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