VICCIY

May, 2020

The Beginning

It all started with an idea—using VR technology to improve access to mental health and wellness supports for Indigenous youth in rural and remote communities. While the path ahead was uncertain, the need to address Saskatchewan’s Indigenous youth suicide crisis was clear. Sask Polytech recognized the potential of this initiative and provided seed funding, allowing us to build partnerships and explore the possibilities of this innovative approach.

October, 2020

Partnership with Dene High School, La Loche

We began building a relationship with the students and staff at Dene High School in La Loche, working together to explore what youth needed to support their well-being. Through these conversations, we talked about the potential ways VR technology could be used to help bring their ideas to life in meaningful and culturally relevant ways.

March, 2021

Awarded SHRF Solutions Program- Innovation Funding

This funding supports collaborative and community-engaged research aimed at developing and implementing innovative solutions to address urgent health needs in Saskatchewan. It is designed to create a lasting and sustainable impact in a targeted area of care.

May, 2021

Launch Phase 1 of Research

In Phase 1, we explored existing approaches to mental health care and wellness within our partnering community. This involved conducting interviews, focus groups, and an environmental scan to identify available resources and gaps in care. Collaborating with students, we also co-created introductory VR segments to reflect their experiences and needs.

June, 2021

Awarded a NSERC College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) Grant

CCSIF grants are designed to drive community innovation by linking the expertise, resources, and facilities of Canada’s colleges and polytechnics with the research needs of community organizations. These grants support collaborative and innovative research, bringing together researchers, students, and partners to address challenges in community innovation.

February, 2022

Awarded SHRF Truth and Action Mobilize Funding

Addressing the TRC Calls to Action, and in the spirit of the commission to reconcile Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples and perspectives, this funding supports knowledge sharing and collaboration activities for healthy and connected communities in Saskatchewan.

May, 2022

Youth Co-Create 1st VR Recordings

In collaboration with Dene High School students, we developed two VR segments that reflect their experiences and cultural identity. For the first segment, students chose to share the local legend of the Lake Monster, featuring an Elder recounting the story in Dene around a fire. The second segment captures another trusted Elder offering guidance to students in Dene while sitting in front of a traditional cabin. Both recordings were filmed and edited with the support of Luxsonic Technologies Inc.

September, 2022

Showcasing Youth Perspectives through Film

We partnered with Aspen Films to produce promotional videos highlighting the voices and perspectives of youth involved in the VICCIY Initiative. These videos offer an overview of the project while capturing students' thoughts on using VR to support their mental health and well-being.

October, 2022

Partnership with East Central First Nation Education Authority (ECFNEA)

ECFNEA is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing education standards for students on reserves in East Central Saskatchewan. Through the ECFNEA, the organization integrates Indigenous teachings and practices, creating opportunities for students to connect with their culture. Committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning community, ECFNEA strives to build successful future generations while upholding Treaty Rights and leaving a lasting positive legacy.

November, 2022

Hosted a Youth Summit for Bernard Constant Community School (BCCS) students

We hosted a two-day youth summit at Elk Ridge for BCCS students from James Smith Cree Nation. The event focused on wellness, healing, and connection, providing a supportive space for youth to recharge and focus on their well-being. Through a mix of learning, reflection, and engaging activities, students explored wellness practices and developed skills to support their personal healing and growth.

December, 2022

Community Celebration in La Loche

We hosted a community celebration in La Loche, featuring a feast open to all community members. Following the feast, we presented the progress of the VICCIY project and showcased the videos co-created with students. This event was a tribute to the students who played a key role in shaping the project’s foundation. Additionally, we shared key research findings from Phase 1, highlighting insights gained through collaboration with the community.

April, 2023

VICCIY Showcase at Wanuskewin

We held an event at Wanuskewin to highlight the VICCIY Initiative and share our findings and progress with community members, stakeholders, funders, and partners. The event featured Indigenous author Beatrice Wolfe, who spoke about her lived experiences and healing journey, offering valuable insights and inspiration.

September, 2023

Launch Phase 2 of Research

Phase 1 findings of our research highlighted how mental health challenges among Indigenous youth often stem from a lack of safety, identity, and belonging. Conversely, findings also highlighted opportunities for empowerment emerged through breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma, fostering hope, and promoting a sense of responsibility.

Building on these insights, Phase 2 further explores the potential of VR technology in bridging gaps in mental health care for Indigenous youth in rural and remote communities. This phase focuses on evaluating how VR can help overcome barriers to care while enhancing culturally relevant wellness supports.

October, 2023

Inaugural Provincial Youth Wellness Summit

Saskatchewan Polytechnic hosted a two-day Provincial Youth Wellness Summit at Dakota Dunes Resort on Chief Whitecap First Nation. The event brought together 68 students from grades 9 to 12, representing 15 rural and remote communities across Saskatchewan. For a detailed report on the summit, visit the Reports section under the Resources tab.

November, 2023

Developed a Library of VR Wellness Resources

Worked with session facilitators from the provincial summit to develop a library of VR content. The virtual library features short segments of facilitators offering advice, motivational insights, and additional wellness strategies, all personalized based on their interactions with youth during breakout sessions. Additionally, the VR library includes a montage of student-led recordings created by participants as part of the Introduction to VR Technology session at the summit.

February, 2024

Gifting of VR Headsets to Partnering Communities

We equipped each school that attended the summit with a VR headset preloaded with the library of wellness resources developed after the event. This initiative allows participating youth to revisit key learnings and share wellness practices with their peers, ensuring continued engagement and support within their communities.

April 2024

Launch of VICCIY’s Quarterly E-Newsletter

We launched VICCIY’s quarterly e-newsletter to keep communities, partners, educators, clinicians, and stakeholders informed about our latest updates, upcoming opportunities, and events. Stay connected and be the first to hear about our work—join our mailing list by clicking here.

April 2024

VR Workshop at Our Legacy Youth Conference

We facilitated a two-day VR workshop at the Our Legacy Youth Conference, hosted by Prince Albert Grand Council. On the first day, youth were introduced to VR technology and spent time on the land learning from local knowledge keepers.

The second day focused on capturing these teachings through the youth’s own perspectives using 360-degree cameras. They then edited, stitched, and enhanced their footage with music and subtitles. By the end of the workshop, six VR segments were created. The youth proudly showcased their work at the conference gala, highlighting their creativity and connection to cultural teachings.

June 2024

Develop Connect Program with Good Spirit School Division (GSSD)

Good Spirit School Division (GSSD) invited our team to collaborate with Kamsack Comprehensive Institute (KCI) on weaving VR into their curriculum. With support from the Teacher Innovation and Support Funding from the Ministry of Education, this initiative aims to enhance student engagement, wellness, and safety through VR-driven initiatives that support cultural and language revitalization as well as land-based learning. We are working with high school students to create virtual content as part of their credits in courses like Indigenous Studies and Special Projects during the 2024-25 school year.

February 2025

Invited to the 2024-25 Realizing Value Pilot Program

This program is designed to provide funding, networking, and collaboration opportunities that accelerate the progress of SHRF-funded teams in developing promising virtual care research solutions, supporting their adoption, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

December 2024

Logo Creation by Chris Chipak

Chris Chipak, a Plains Cree artist from Red Pheasant Cree Nation, designed the VICCIY logo to reflect the core of our mission and vision. The design features elements like a canoe, symbolizing community, cooperation, and movement; a curvy line representing the fluidity and energy of spiritual and physical worlds. Central to the design is the medicine wheel, encompassing the four aspects of holistic identity and balance. The logo also includes a handprint, reflecting safety, peace, and identity, and a triangle, symbolizing the tipi as a home of belonging, protection, and purpose. Additional inspiration, drawn from the shape of a VR headset, suggests the innovative technology at the heart of our initiative, merging tradition with modern practices to shape the future in the present.

March 2025

Microcredential Development Completion

Completion of a specialized microcredential, Telling Stories Through Virtual Reality, being offered through Sask Polytech to students participating in the VICCIY Initiative. This program equips students with critical tech skills needed for operating VR headsets, capturing footage with 360-degree cameras, and creating content. Emphasizing ethical practices, the curriculum is designed to respect Indigenous protocols and traditions, ensuring that students not only learn technical skills but also approach their projects with cultural sensitivity and awareness. This microcredential opens new avenues for students to excel in technologically advanced environments while honouring the rich heritage of Indigenous communities.

March 2025

Awarded SHRF’s Solutions Program – Impact Grant

This award supports research that aims to address timely health challenges and mobilize real-world solutions that benefit the people of Saskatchewan. This funding will allow us to launch a real-time VR wellness trial, building on previous successes and responding directly to Indigenous youth who asked for more interactive and culturally grounded mental health supports. Through this grant, we will co-create immersive, live-time VR programming with youth and community partners, offering virtual spaces for wellness workshops, cultural teachings, and peer connection.

May 2025

2nd Annual Provincial Youth Wellness Summit

On May 14 and 15, 2025, the VICCIY Initiative proudly hosted the 2nd Annual Provincial Youth Wellness Summit in Saskatoon, bringing together 63 high school students and 18 chaperones from communities across Saskatchewan. Over two days, youth explored mental health and well-being through workshops grounded in the four dimensions of wellness—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Activities ranged from Cree language and traditional hunting practices to play therapy, financial literacy, and football with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Chaperones also participated in dedicated wellness sessions, creating a supportive and restorative space for all attendees. Facilitators reported strong engagement throughout, with youth and adults alike connecting deeply through culture, creativity, and community. A full report from the summit will be available in September.

May 2025

VICCIY Presentation at the Global Collaboration at IHI BMJ Forum on Quality and Safety

Lindsey Boechler, Research Manager with the Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS), had the honour of attending the IHI BMJ International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare in Utrecht, Netherlands. The event brought together global health leaders and changemakers to share innovative approaches to improving care quality and patient safety.

From thought-provoking presentations to meaningful networking opportunities, the forum was both professionally enriching and personally inspiring. Lindsey looks forward to building on these international connections and exploring how global collaboration can enhance the impact of the VICCIY Initiative.