VICCIY Project Uses Virtual Reality and Cultural Connection to Support Indigenous Youth Wellness
Led by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the VICCIY project partners with Indigenous youth and communities to deliver culturally grounded wellness programming—blending virtual reality, traditional knowledge, and community-led approaches to strengthen safety, identity, and belonging in rural and Northern regions.
The Virtual Interventions and Community Connections for Indigenous Youth (VICCIY) project, led by Lindsey Boechler at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship, takes a holistic and community-driven approach to promoting the well-being of Indigenous youth. Co-created with Indigenous youth and community partners, the initiative focuses on improving access to culturally responsive care, preserving languages and traditions, and using virtual reality (VR) technology to deliver tailored wellness resources to rural, remote, and Northern communities.
Using a community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) model, VICCIY ensures that project goals are shaped collaboratively, making the work meaningful and relevant. The research is guided by four pillars—safety, identity, belonging, and community—with activities designed to strengthen physical, emotional, psychological, and cultural safety. Through Indigenous-designed wellness workshops, resiliency training, role model connections, and blended virtual and in-person experiences, youth are encouraged to reconnect with their cultural identities and build supportive relationships.
VICCIY has also hosted two Provincial Youth Wellness Summits, inspired by youth voices and aimed at fostering friendships, celebrating culture, and promoting healing through both traditional and modern wellness practices. These summits provide empowering spaces for youth to strengthen belonging, identity, and community connection.
Website: VICCIY
Videos: VICCIY Project | Video Overview
Contact: Lindsey Boechler Lindsey.boechler@saskpolytech.ca