Dr. Chris Mushquash - (Supplied via Lakehead University)

A national research project being co-led by a researcher from northwestern Ontario has received an additional $10.8 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Dr. Chris Mushquash and Dr. Srividya Iyer are leading a four-year project that is focused on building a trust-based learning network across Canada to support culturally-grounded mental health services for Indigenous youth.

Dr. Mushquash is Anishinawbe (Ojibway) and a member of Pawgwasheeng (Pays Plat First Nation).

He is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Lakehead University and also serves as vice-president of research at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and as chief scientist at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.

According to Lakehead University, the project is a part of the ACCESS Open Minds Indigenous Youth Mental Health and Wellness Network, and will strengthen capacity amongst Indigenous communities and integrated youth services (IYS) networks to deliver inclusive, high-quality, culturally and contextually relevant, and responsive mental health services with, and for, Indigenous youth.

The project is being guided by the strength of multigenerational teaching and brings together Elders, Knowledge Holders, youth, families, and community leaders, including Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, who serve 13 First Nations across northwest Ontario.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our network to help close critical gaps by cultivating a trust-based, collaborative learning environment across Canada,” said Dr. Mushquash. “With this investment, we can translate knowledge into real-life improvements for Indigenous youth, ensuring that services are more culturally grounded, accessible, and responsive to community needs.”

“Being able to co-lead this work from northwestern Ontario, and specifically Thunder Bay, is deeply significant, as it reflects both the challenges and strengths of the communities we serve.”