Jessica Pace
Jessica Pace is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Health, Aging & Society and the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging at McMaster University. Her postdoctoral research focuses on using Photovoice to understanding transitions into aging and dementia among southern Labrador Inuit. Jessica is also a co-investigator with Dr. Chelsea Gabel (McMaster) on a SSHRC-funded project which utilizes Photovoice to document southern Inuit intergenerational engagement and well-being. Jessica is committed to community-based, participatory research approaches. She has worked with Anishinaabe communities on Manitoulin Island and southern Inuit communities in the NunatuKavut territory in southern Labrador.
WORKSHOP TITLE : Picturing Indigenous Youth Mental Health: A Photovoice Workshop
DESCRIPTION : Photovoice is a qualitative, participatory research method in which participants take photographs to illustrate their lived experience. This arts-based approach is often used with marginalized groups to empower participants by providing spaces and opportunities for their voices to be heard. Photovoice involves engaging participants in a process of creating and sharing photographs and dialogue. The method is a tool which can help participants to connect with others and advocate for change. The resultant photographs can be used to get the attention of politicians and other decision makers. The purpose of this interactive workshop is for participants to learn about Photovoice as a method and to consider its potential for better understanding, representing, and promoting Indigenous youth mental health. Examples from a recent Photovoice project about community well-being and intergenerational engagement in southern Labrador will be used to illustrate key points.