| Purpose : |
This project will work with Aboriginal youth, aged 13 to 17, in nine BC communities where research conducted by the McCreary Centre Society has identified substance use among this group as being particularly high in comparison to other BC communities. Aboriginal youth in these nine communities will be engaged in a series of four workshops, which will focus on crime reduction and prevention through the education of participants on the risks associated with substance use. The workshops, which will be facilitated by Aboriginal youth coordinators as well as a local Aboriginal youth, will assist participants to develop a community based project aimed at increasing engagement of local youth currently using substances and who are at risk of escalating to substance abuse. These locally driven projects will assist in tackling youth substance use within each community, by working to build resiliency, assist youth to develop coping and problem solving skills, involve parents in prevention activities, and help youth to connect with family and school. Project implementation will be supported through assistance from the coordinators and local adult mentors, who will be trained by McCreary staff.
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