6-year research chair walks new pathways with Indigenous youth

Last month marked the launch of Les jeunesses autochtones au Québec: décolonisation, fierté et engagement at La Livrerie, as part of Montreal’s Salon du livre dans la ville. The new publication is edited by Natasha Blanchet-Cohen, professor in Concordia’s Department of Applied Human Sciences, and Véronique Picard, coordinator of the Indigenous Stream of the Youth Research Network Chair of Quebec and Individualized (INDI) program doctoral candidate.

"This collective work contributes to bringing together voices that rarely join, redefining the relationship to research and bringing forth the dynamism and diversity of Indigenous youth,” Blanchet-Cohen explains. "It explores cultural reconnection, knowledge sharing and identity redefinition in urban and community settings, amplifying youth voices."

Indigenous youth co-authored each chapter, with sections on decolonizing research, expressions of pride and paths of engagement. Testimonials and graphic art further enrich the narratives.

"The work highlights the survivance and leadership of Indigenous youth in Quebec through collaborative research and Indigenous methodologies," Cathy Richardson, co-researcher and book contributor, adds.

A Quebec-wide impact through Indigenous youth–centred research

Since 2018, Concordia has played a pivotal role in the Youth Research Network Chair of Quebec, a province-wide initiative focusing on youth. The chair, housed in the Department of Applied Human Sciences, has achieved remarkable milestones in the Indigenous Youth research stream, culminating in two significant contributions.

The first is this co-authored book, combining the expertise of researchers, graduate students and community collaborators. The second is the online Indigenous Youth Resource Bundle designed in partnership with Indigenous youth, which brings together the myriad resources created over the past six years by chair members and partners. These achievements showcase the dynamism of the CRJ and the profound impact of Indigenous-centred research across Quebec.

Fostering collaboration and empowerment

The Indigenous Youth stream embraced a participatory approach, engaging youth as co-creators throughout the research process.

The online resource bundle is a standout example of this collaborative ethos. It features more than 50 multimedia materials, practical guides, storytelling elements and academic articles created by the CRJ, all aimed at empowering and promoting ethical research with Indigenous communities.

The bundle is now part of the resources offered by Concordia’s Office of Engagement, a key collaborator in the project.

"Our goal was to amplify the voices of Indigenous youth, ensuring their perspectives shaped both the research outcomes and the tools created for broader use," says Alicia Ibarra-Lemay, INDI master’s student and team member.

Les jeunesses autochtones au Québec book further expands on this work, documenting the collective insights of academics, students and Indigenous collaborators.

"By weaving together lived experiences and Indigenous knowledges, this work helps create new pathways for Indigenous ways of knowing and doing within academia, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous youth in Quebec," Picard explains.

A transformative partnership across four universities

Concordia is one of four partner institutions leading the CRJ, alongside École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP), Université de Sherbrooke and the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS). Together with Concordia, these institutions tackled four interconnected themes: health and well-being; education, citizenship and culture; employment and entrepreneurship; and Indigenous youth.

"Concordia’s leadership in the Indigenous Youth stream exemplifies its commitment to fostering inclusive research environments and building bridges with communities," explains Pascale Sicotte, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science. "The collaboration also provided invaluable experiential learning opportunities for graduate students, who played a key role in creating both the book and the resource bundle."

Shaping new pathways for knowledge and connection

As the research chair concludes its mandate and awaits confirmation of its renewal, its impact is evident in the resources and relationships it has nurtured. The tools and knowledge produced through this initiative are poised to inform policy, support community efforts and inspire further research.

"This work exemplifies what can be achieved when academic institutions and Indigenous communities collaborate meaningfully," says Genevieve Sioui, Indigenous community engagement coordinator. “It’s about more than research; it’s about creating a legacy of understanding, respect and connection."

Explore the Indigenous Youth Resource Bundle on the Chaire-réseau de recherche sur la jeunesse du Québec website.

Discover the book Les jeunesses autochtones au Québec: décolonisation, fierté et engagement.

Learn more about Concordia’s Department of Applied Human Sciences.