The Indigenous Youth Connection to Culture is an evidence-based program to support First Nations youth build stronger connections to their culture, families and Elders. The $5 million investment will be allocated to 12 communities over three financial years (2021-22 – 2023-24). The co-designed community activities strengthen youth cultural identity and cultural continuity as a source of strength, resilience and pride as protective factors against youth suicide and self-harm.
The Lowitja Institute has provided evaluation support work focused on documenting the experience of IYCC project facilitators and communities in co-designing and establishing IYCC activities. This work was completed in May 2023. NIAA will undertake reviews of activity outcomes to complement the work undertaken by the Lowitja Institute to gain insights on youth engagement and wellbeing through strong placed-based cultural connections.