Virtual Reality Initiative Aims to Boost Mental Health for Indigenous Youth

A new initiative aiming to enhance the mental wellbeing of Indigenous youth in northern Saskatchewan is set to launch. The program, known as the Virtual Interventions and Community Connections for Indigenous Youth (VICCIY), has been under development since 2021. Initially focused on clinical care, the initiative has evolved through consultations with youth, allowing their preferences and needs to shape its direction.

Lindsey Boechler, the initiative lead at VICCIY, noted that many young people expressed a strong interest in utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology. “What really intrigues the youth is exploring different ways to connect and meet others, or learn from role models,” she explained. This feedback has played a crucial role in the program’s design, ensuring that it resonates with the target audience.

The VICCIY program has already hosted two provincial youth summits, which gathered over 60 youth from various communities across Saskatchewan. One significant theme that emerged from these discussions was the potential role of VR technology in promoting wellness. “Ninety-eight percent of respondents said that they would be willing to engage with [VR] or give it a try,” Boechler highlighted, emphasizing the enthusiasm for this innovative approach.

Joey Genereaux, a youth advocate involved with VICCIY, shares the optimism surrounding the initiative. He believes that VR programming could effectively reach and connect with young people in northern communities. “I think this virtual stuff is going to be an amazing thing to connect with these kids in the north that really need the help, to inspire them to make different changes in their lives,” Genereaux said.

The VICCIY program is currently in Phase 2, with six northern communities slated to participate this fall during the school year. The emphasis on youth feedback has been a cornerstone of the program’s development. Boechler expressed her hope that such an approach will become a standard practice for similar initiatives in the future. “When we are trying to support this generation that’s going to lead our province, I think it’s imperative we really start listening,” she stated.

As the program moves forward, the focus remains on leveraging technology to create meaningful connections and support systems for Indigenous youth. The VICCIY initiative represents a promising step towards addressing mental health challenges in these communities, fostering resilience and growth among young people.