R.E.A.L. – Reclaim. Express. Accept. Lead.

R.E.A.L. is a community-driven mental wellness initiative designed by and for Indigenous and northern youth. Rooted in culture, creativity, and connection, this campaign supports young people in reclaiming identity, expressing truth, accepting all parts of themselves, and leading change in how we talk about mental health.

R.E.A.L. isn’t about fixing youth—it’s about amplifying them. Their voices. Their experiences. Their vision for healing, leadership, and collective wellness.

Why “R.E.A.L.”?

Reclaim. Express. Accept. Lead.
Each word reflects a step in the journey toward mental wellness:

  • Reclaim – identity, culture, and voice

  • Express – stories, emotions, and lived experiences

  • Accept – all parts of self, including struggle and strength

  • Lead – by showing up with honesty, courage, and compassion

This is more than a program. It’s a movement to end stigma, honour lived experience, and empower youth to lead healing in their own way, on their own terms.

What the Program Offers:

  • Youth-led workshops in community (land-based, arts-based, dialogue-based)

  • Creative expression through visual arts, video, music, and storytelling

  • Mental wellness support from Indigenous youth workers, Elders, and clinical counsellors

  • Cultural teachings including traditional medicine, crafts, and ceremony

  • Leadership and advocacy training for youth-led campaigns and change-making

  • Safe spaces to talk about mental health, identity, and self-worth

Program Delivery Formats

  • Three-day intensives in Yukon communities

  • Monthly follow-up sessions for continuity and support

  • Custom youth gatherings, school visits, and seasonal events

Our Team Includes:

  • Indigenous youth mentors and facilitators

  • Local artists and creative mentors

  • Clinical counsellors from Aurora Wellness Group

  • Cultural leaders and traditional knowledge keepers

  • Partners such as BYTE, the Territorial Youth Collective, and CBP Creative Media

Who It's For:

  • Indigenous youth ages 13–25

  • Youth interested in mental health, wellness, culture, and community change

  • Communities seeking youth-driven, culturally grounded programming

A Program with Purpose:

R.E.A.L. is about reimagining what healing looks like—when led by youth, rooted in culture, and free from shame. It’s about holding space for truth, creating space for joy, and building space for futures led by young people themselves.