Indigenous Peoples have complex social structures and living cultures that have evolved slowly over time and in synchrony with nature. Traditional cultures are often rich in teachings, rituals and rites of passage that nourish children and youth at each stage of their development. The destruction of Indigenous cultures through colonization has disrupted the beautiful diversity of ways in which Indigenous Peoples have always cared for one another. WAY encourages exploring and including Indigenous perspectives in caring for youth with anxiety relationally, safely and cross-culturally. 

The four ways of strengthening relationship in this course draw on Dr. Neufeld’s theory of relationship and can be applied across all cultures, and with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and caregivers. Affirming the culture of Indigenous youth—in fact, all youth—who are facing separation from their people, places and traditions is an important part of the relationship dance and should be a priority when you are thinking about how to help an anxious youth.