Planet Youth Calgary aims to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where all youth, regardless of gender, ability, culture, or background are empowered to shape solutions that strengthen their well-being and resilience
Planet Youth Calgary (PYC) began implementing the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) in 2022, building trusted relationships with youth, community members, and sector leaders. Guided by research and community engagement, PYC recognizes that while substance use among youth is an important concern, it is a symptom of broader social, emotional, and physical health challenges.
PYC implements an Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Parallel of the IPM. The Indigenous Parallel seeks to honor the culture and traditions of Indigenous communities, with a strong focus on Indigenous youth. In collaboration with Indigenous scholars, PYC is developing a suitable data collection approach tailored to Indigenous youth. This work will be carried out alongside Elders, youth, and community members to ensure data is collected and mobilized in ways that align with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. The Non-Indigenous Parallel draws on findings from Planet Youth Grade 10 student surveys across four communities, using this data to inform community-driven solutions and substance use prevention strategies.
To further impact, PYC will build and mobilize partnerships to support city-wide initiatives that follow population-wide primary prevention, with a particular focus on expanding access to organized leisure time activities for youth.
Lead organization: United Way of Calgary and Area
Website: www.planetyouthcalgary.ca
Contacts: Marla Kailly • Crystal Milne • Beth Ed
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Located in southern Alberta, Calgary is a vibrant and diverse city situated on the traditional territories of the Treaty 7 Nations. The Indigenous Parallel primarily engages urban Indigenous youth. It also and connects with those living on nearby reserves bordering Calgary, fostering relationships with individuals both inside and outside the city. The Non-Indigenous Parallel focuses on four pilot communities across Calgary.
This project is funded as part of the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Youth Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP). Learn more here.