RESEARCH

A Lived Experience Research: Exploring the meaning of Therapeutic Horticulture for Anishinabek Youth in a Brief Residential Treatment Unit

This study reveals that therapeutic horticulture holds significant meaning for Anishinabek youth in residential treatment, fostering sensory engagement, cultural connection, social skills, and a sense of pride and healing. The research highlights the importance of culturally relevant and empowering approaches to mental health care for Indigenous youth.

Research Source: Theses/Dissertations

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Summary

This study explores the lived experiences of Anishinabek youth participating in a therapeutic horticulture (TH) program within a brief residential treatment unit. The researcher used photovoice and semi-directed interviews to understand the meaning the youth ascribed to this approach to healing. Set within a culturally supportive environment that included gardens and green spaces, the TH program sought to connect Anishinabek youth with plants and the natural world in a way that honored their traditions.

The study found that the TH approach was meaningful for the youth, with themes emerging around sensory engagement, humor, social connection, cognitive stimulation, wonder, resilience, and skill-building. The youth also expressed a sense of pride, interconnectedness, caretaking, memories, and a deeper connection to the spirit world and their culture. The photovoice method itself was also viewed as enjoyable and meaningful. This research offers guidance for future TH healing practices and policy-making, grounded in the voices and experiences of Anishinabek youth

Link

Uvanile, M. (2025). A lived experience research: exploring the meaning of therapeutic horticulture for anishinabek youth in a brief residential treatment unit [Master’s Thesis, Lakehead University] (pp. 1–193). http://knowledgecommons.lakeheadu.ca/handle/2453/159

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