September 13, 2023
Dr. Johanna Sam is named Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar
The Michael Smith Health Research BC’s Scholar Program supports early-career health researchers who are building leading-edge health research programs, training the next generation of scientists and expanding their potential to make significant contributions to their field.
Dr. Johanna Sam, Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar
Dr. Johanna Sam, Tŝilhqot’in Nation, secured significant funding for her project titled Nini nanaghintsan ?anh (is your mind tired?): the healing journeys of Indigenous adolescents navigating pathways to urban and online wellness supports.
Due to the historical and ongoing effects of colonization, Indigenous youth experience higher rates of mental illness and many are reluctant to seek help when they are in crisis. This research project will use oral traditions and storytelling to ask Indigenous youth (aged 12 to 24) about their healing journeys when accessing wellness supports in urban and online spaces. This project will work in partnership with Foundry BC to collaborate with local Indigenous communities. The findings from this study can inform culturally-resurgent practices to help transform the way Indigenous youth are engaged in wellness supports across urban and online spaces.
Dr. Sam uses a strength-based approach, in creating youth-friendly educational and mental health resources. Melding digital technology with Indigenous perspectives, her research explores the relationships among cyber-aggression, resiliency, academic achievement, and wellness.
To learn more about Dr. Sam’s work, read Bringing Indigenous ways of knowing into mental health supports
To learn more about all 2023 Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholars, read Fueling discovery: Health Research BC funds 23 researchers to improve health outcomes.
