Ai’aoskiikowaata Project (providing guidance to youth)

Supporting healthy transitions from government care

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not Indigenous. Can I still take part in the study?

  • Yes! This project hopes to make improvements to the child welfare system for everyone

Can I still take part in the survey?

  • No, that part of the project is now complete.

What will I be asked to do for Study 2, the storytelling project?

Participation involves:

  • Art workshop - Attend a weekend art-making workshop to creatively express some part of your experience with child welfare or aging out of it. It will be scheduled for 9:30-4:30. You may choose to not attend the second day. All materials will be provided.

  • Interview - Give a private audio-recorded interview with one of the researchers where you can share your experiences with child welfare.

  • Art show - You will be able to exhibit and celebrate your art in a public gallery after the project.

Are there any risks or discomforts?

  • You will not have to do anything or answer any question that makes you uncomfortable

  • There may be up to 14 other people participating so you might feel anxious in the group but we will do what we can to help you feel comfortable

  • There will be a Blackfoot elder at the workshop to provide support if you want it. We can also help you connect with other support services.

Will my information be kept private?

  • Everything that you share privately will be stored securely by the researchers and you name will not be linked to any of these materials. Only the researchers and one research assistant will have access to it.

  • We will ask everyone in the workshop to keep others’ information confidential, but we can not guarantee they will do so

  • You can choose to use a made up name if you don’t want to share your real name in the art show or any published reports

What will I get by participating?

  • You will receive $30 just to meet with the researcher and decide if you want to participate. You will receive $50 for each day of the workshop you attend.

  • Breakfast and lunch will be provided at the workshop.

  • You may not benefit from the research but your knowledge may help to improve the system for other young people

  • Sharing and listening to people’s stories and creating art can be helpful and feel good for many people. You may think about yourself or experiences differently, or you might just enjoy creating the art.

Who are the researchers?

  • The two researchers are Janice Victor and Don AhnAhnsisi McIntyre. Anika Dirk is the research assistant. You may learn more about us here.

How can I find out about the results?

  • This website will be updated with the results as different portions of the project are completed. You may also contact the researcher if you have specific questions or concerns.

The Participant Consent Form provides additional details and can be downloaded here.