You are encouraged to attend the defence. The details of the defence and attendance information is included below:  

Date: February 21, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (PT)

Defence mode: Remote 
Virtual Attendance: via Zoom (additional Zoom details at bottom of message) 

LINK TO JOIN: Please contact the Office of Graduate Administration for information regarding remote attendance for online defences. 

To ensure the defence proceeds with no interruptions, please mute your audio and video on entry and do not inadvertently share your screen. The meeting will be locked to entry 5 minutes after it begins: please ensure you are on time.

Thesis entitled: INDIGENOUS CHILD AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: AN EXPLORATION OF INDIGENOUS CLINICIANS’ EXPERIENCES OF CULTURALLY ADAPTING INTERVENTIONS

Abstract: This thesis addresses a significant gap in the literature by exploring the professional experiences of Indigenous clinicians delivering mental health interventions to Indigenous children and youth. The study focuses on the clinicians' experiences of culturally adapting mental health interventions and seeks to understand the support they receive in achieving the delivery of these interventions. Six practicing, self-identified Indigenous child and youth mental health clinicians participated in the study.

The Indigenous child and youth mental health clinicians shared their experiences through in-depth conversations, which were analyzed while employing a qualitative, exploratory approach within the framework of The Dene Laws. Data analysis revealed three central themes: ‘Utilizing Culturally Adapted Mental Health Interventions,’ ‘Supportive Factors for Culturally Adapting Mental Health Interventions,’ and ‘Examining Barriers and Identifying Areas for Improvement.’ 

The findings provide valuable insights into the clinicians’ use of collaborative, intuitive, and client-centred approaches. The study further highlighted the necessity for systemic support to overcome challenges and improve the delivery of culturally adapted mental health care for Indigenous children and youth. 

Defence Committee:  
Chair: Dr. David Connell, University of Northern British Columbia  
Supervisor: Dr. Susan Burke, University of Northern British Columbia  
Committee Member: Dr. Glen Schmidt, University of Northern British Columbia  
Committee Member: Dr. Jessie King, College of New Caledonia
External Examiner: Dr. Tina Fraser, University of Northern British Columbia