Guided by Culture: How Social Programs Shape Indigenous Youth Housing Success

Lund, J. I., Toombs, E., Mushquash, C. J., Pitura, V., Toneguzzi, K., Bobinski, T., Leon, S., Vitopoulos, N., Frederick, T., & Kidd, S. A. (2022). Cultural adaptation considerations of a comprehensive housing outreach program for Indigenous youth exiting homelessness. Transcultural Psychiatry, 61(3), 457–472. https://doi.org/10.1177/13634615221135438

Introduction

Evidence-based housing and mental health programs rarely incorporate Indigenous conceptions of holistic wellbeing. Lund and colleagues (2022) explored the cultural adaptation of the Housing Outreach Program Collaborative (HOP-C) for Indigenous youth in Northwestern Ontario, emphasizing mentorship as a bridge between cultural identity, trust, and stability. Guided by the Indigenous principle of Two-Eyed Seeing, the adaptation integrated Western and Indigenous approaches within a community-led model.

Methods

Fifteen Indigenous and mixed-heritage youth between the ages  of 16 and 24 years old alongside fourteen staff participated in interviews and focus groups. Thematic analysis captured experiences related to mentorship roles, particularly the peer mentor and cultural wellness mentor, and their impact on engagement and wellbeing.

Results

Mentorship emerged as a key adaptation. The peer mentor role offered youth leadership and reciprocity; participants who succeeded in the program often transitioned into mentor positions themselves. The cultural wellness mentor guided youth in reconnecting with traditional teachings, ceremonies, and Elders. Through creating a space for healing and identity development. Staff described these mentorship relationships as vital to building trust and reducing barriers rooted in historical trauma.

Discussion

Embedding mentorship within culturally grounded frameworks strengthened relationships and improved youth participation. Mentors provided emotional support, modeled resilience, and helped youth navigate services in ways that honored Indigenous worldviews.

Implications for Mentoring Programs

Culturally aligned mentoring, especially when led by Indigenous mentors or elders, can transform support programs. Emphasizing reciprocity, cultural identity, and trust fosters sustainable engagement and holistic growth for Indigenous youth overcoming homelessness.

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