“We Carved Our Own Path”: Exploring Meanings of Self-Determination with First Nations Youth

Self-determination is widely recognized as a key determinant of Indigenous peoples’ well-being. The New Pathways Foundation (NPF), a First Nations youth organization in Québec, supports the development of youth self-determination through initiatives such as Décidaction, a participatory budgeting process. Yet, little is known about how self-determination is understood and experienced by First Nations youth themselves. This article was written collaboratively with NPF members and four Décidaction youth participants to center their voices and lived experiences. Using photovoice methodology and interviews, youth shared photographs representing self-determination and its significance in their lives. Their narratives revealed that self-determination is a dynamic, relational, and evolving process that is expressed through: reclaiming identity, rights, and culture; personal and collective experiences; and meaningful and diverse forms of self-expression. Rather than offering a single definition, this article highlights the multiple meanings of self-determination rooted in youth’s lived realities. Supporting First Nations youth self-determination is therefore essential not only for their individual flourishing, but also for the well-being of their communities.