COH-AWH-What_Would_it_Take

Prior to beginning the study, research team
members requested to meet with Elders connected
to each Indigenous-serving agency in the study.
Of the three participating organizations that primarily serve Indigenous youth, we were able
to meet with Elders connected with two of these organizations – Hamilton Regional Indian
Centre (Hamilton, ON) and Broadway Youth Resource Centre (Vancouver, BC). Offering a
traditional gift of tobacco, team members asked each Elder for permission to conduct the
research in partnership with the community, and for guidance as the research proceeded. The
team was deeply honoured to have their requests accepted, and to be invited to enter into
ceremony with Elders, Indigenous service providers, and Indigenous youth in two communities.
In Vancouver, BC, team member Kaitlin Schwan entered into a Star Blanket Ceremony with the
community. In Paris, ON, four team members (Schwan, Gaetz, Redman, and Dej) participated in
a Haudenosaunee Edge of the Woods Ceremony and feast, over the span of two days.
The research team was honoured to receive traditional teachings as part
of these ceremonies, and was able to offer a gift to each community.
The relations of trust built during these
ceremonies will continue to guide the
development of our work as we move
forward together. We are deeply humbled
by the kindness, generosity, and trust
extended by our Indigenous partners.
WHAT WOULD IT TAKE? 27