Lauren Odobas

Topic

Sexual Health and Indigenous Futurism: Considering Intergenerational Engagement

School of Nursing

Date & location

• Tuesday, September 8, 2026
• 9:00 A.M.
• Virtual Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Vera Caine, School of Nursing, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Leanne Kelly, School of Nursing, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Sean Lessard, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Katelin Albert, Department of Sociology, UVic

Abstract

The focus of this research is to learn about the roles family members play in teaching First Nations youth about sexual and reproductive health. The aim is to identify fortify protective factors. The results hold the potential to highlight more nuanced understandings of sexual health, and the important role extended family members hold in the sexual health and well-being of First Nations youth. Stories are a way that families teach young people how to take care of themselves and others. Most research is focused on problems or risk behaviours in First Nations communities, or how knowledge sharing in families has been disrupted by trauma and colonialism. This thesis is based on a scoping review, that focused on understanding the current knowledge in intergenerational work in sexual and reproductive health with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in Canada. Using Storywork developed by Joanne Archibald helped organize the findings and ensured that this work was grounded in a strengths-based approach.