In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, we are excited to share our latest ASC member profile, featuring Carrie Anne Vanderhoop, as well as introduce you to HELP's newest faculty member, Dr. Johanna Sam! We also share the latest study from HELP researchers, plus a reflection from HELPer Sophie Carriere from the Partnering in Research Conference.
ASC Member Profile: Carrie Anne Vanderhoop
Carrie Anne Vanderhoop's professional path has largely focused on curriculum and program development in Indigenous education, reconciliation, cultural safety, and systems change. Also a valued member of the Aboriginal Steering Committee at HELP, she is about to release her very first children's book, Wôpanâak Seasons: Seeqan, Neepun, Keepun, Pup8n — inspired by the beauty and joy of her childhood experiences in the traditional territory of her Wampanoag ancestors.
As schools and communities continue to respond to the growing need for mental health support, a new study highlights the importance of connectedness. A recent publication byDr. Eva Oberle and other researchers at HELP in Social Sciences and Medicine analyzed data from the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) collected between 2015-2022, identifying protective mechanisms for well-being of children in Grades 4 through 8 in British Columbia. The study found that when students felt connected to school, their peers, and supportive adults at school, trends in well-being over time were more stable.
Sophie Carriere, Research Coordinator at HELP, provides a reflection from the Partnering in Research Conference at UBC, bringing ceremony into the space as a part of the Roots initiative: to build capacity amongst researchers to engage in more reciprocal, relational, and appropriate partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Introducing HELP's Newest Faculty: Dr. Johanna Sam
We are excited to announce that Dr. Johanna Sam has joined HELP as a faculty member! A citizen of Tŝilhqot’in Nation, Dr. Sam brings a wealth of experience integrating developmental and educational psychology with a public health lens, exploring both upstream and downstream determinants of wellness. Her research is grounded in Indigenous knowledges and community-led methodologies, with a focus on advancing holistic wellness in communities and online spaces.
Written by long-time ASC member Carrie Anne Vanderhoop, a young Wampanoag child takes readers on a seasonal journey through Aquinnah, on Neope, known as Martha’s Vineyard in Wôpanâak Seasons: Seeqan, Neepun, Keepun, Pup8n. “With lovely, striking images and a warm, exultant child’s voice Carrie Anne Vanderhoop and Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley take readers to another imaginative world.” — The British Columbia Review
The latest report from the Coalition of Childcare Advocates of BC explores the need for and provision of "flexible child care" options in the province. Child Care When Families Need It provides recommendations for integrating flexibly into BC’s child care system, in ways that prioritize and respect the needs of children, families, educators and providers.
This undergraduate student exhibition at the Museum of Anthropology follows the life story, art and legacy of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw artist Ḵaḵaso’las-Ellen Neel (née Newman). Ḵaḵaso’las-Ellen Neel was an innovative force in the Indigenous art scene who continues to influence Indigenous artists. This exhibition was curated by UBC students of ANTH 431: Museum Practice and Curatorship, including HELPer Aria Viveiros!
HELP Director Dr. Mariana Brussoni was mentioned on What Now? with Trevor Noah with special guest Jonathan Haidt, discussing The Anxious Generation and the importance of risky play for child development. Listen Now (20 min mark)
⇒ THE CONVERSATION
New research from HELP Affiliate Dr. Nicole Catherine, and the team at Faculty of Health Sciences at SFU's Children's Health Policy Centre, found that young mothers and their children facing intimate partner violence benefit from the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program. Learn More
Also featured in The Conversation, HELP Affiliate Dr. Magdalena Janus and colleagues at The Offord Centre for Child Studies examine teacher bias in students' assessment and strategies for more accuracy. Learn More
⇒ YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INSTRUMENT
The CHART Lab is working on a new project to support youth well-being: the Social Connection Toolkit Project! This project aims to gather ideas for activities and programs that foster social connectedness in school communities. Their team is inviting educators, health professionals, community leaders, and researchers to share their ideas — whether it’s a classroom practice, a school-wide initiative, or a community event. Learn More
⇒ STAFF UPDATES
We are please to announce that Aria Viveiros has moved into a new role as Research Assistant at HELP! Aria will be working HELP's joint project with the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health, Roots: An Indigenous Partnered Research Circle, providing event and logistical support for many key events with Indigenous partners, community members, and researchers.
The Human Early Learning Partnership is situated within the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) People.
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Human Early Learning Partnership
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