| Summary: | Several researchers from the scientific community agree that substance abuse among Indigenous youth is a significant problem in Indigenous communities in Quebec (Thomas et al., 2006; First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission/CSSSPNQL, 2013). In order to address this issue, some Indigenous communities have implemented substance use treatment programs using the holistic approach to intervention, which is considered more culturally appropriate. Despite the development of these culturally safe programs, research on how the holistic intervention approach is deployed remains very limited (CSSSPNQL, 2013 Clifford et al., 2017). This study fills this gap and aims to report, from the perspective of Walgwan Center staff members, on how the holistic intervention approach is deployed with Indigenous youth struggling with substance abuse problems. Specifically, it will : 1) to explore the context in which the holistic intervention approach is practiced 2) to understand the foundations and values on which the holistic intervention approach is based 3) to identify the main challenges to the application of the holistic approach with Indigenous youth and finally, 4) to understand the perceived effects of the holistic approach with Indigenous youth struggling with substance abuse problems. The thematic analysis of 11 semi-structured interviews and in situ observation reports conducted during a two-week stay at the Walgwan Centre reveals that the holistic intervention approach is based on various foundations such as: symbolism, animism and "Two-Eyes Seeing", as well as several values such as: the importance of the family, mutual aid and respect for traditional knowledge. The study also highlights the fact that although the holistic intervention approach allows for the adaptation of tools to the individual and is flexible, the Walgwan Center staff members face certain challenges related to the living conditions of the families and the differentiated design of cultural intervention tools. ...
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