Abstract: This paper will review methodological and ethical concerns in two research projects that focused on issues for First Nations people. The first study included a file review, process evaluation, and follow-up study with a First Nations substance abuse treatment centre. The file review was the first of its kind for the centre, and a client profile was developed outlining demographic information and substance consumption patterns. This study was developed based on community needs and was designed to determine the effectiveness of the program. Key issues in this study pertained to community partnership, ownership of data, and capacity building. The second project focused on educational status and its association with risk and protective factors for First Nations youth. This study was also community driven, and key issues involved capacity building, negotiating a contract between the researcher and community, obtaining informed consent and providing meaningful dissemination of the results. This paper will end with a discussion on research and ethical concerns. Issues such as who develops and benefits from the research, who owns the data, how capacity building can be included in the project, protecting community values and traditional knowledge, participation, and responsibility will be considered.

Abstract: Objectives: To explore the relationships between Māori cultural identity, ethnic discrimination and mental health outcomes for Māori youth in New Zealand.
Study Design: Nationally representative, anonymous cross-sectional study of New Zealand secondary school students in 2012.
Methods: Secondary analysis of Māori students (n= 1699) from the national Youth’12 secondary school students survey was undertaken. Theoretical development and exploratory factor analysis were undertaken to develop a 14-item Māori Cultural Identity Scale (MCIS). Māori students reporting > 8 items were classified as having a strong MCIS. Prevalence of indicators were reported, and logistic regression models were used to explore how wellbeing (WHO-5), depressive symptoms (Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale-SF), and suicide attempts were associated with the MCIS.
Results: After adjusting for age, sex, ethnic discrimination and NZ Deprivation Index (NZDep), a strong Māori cultural identity (MCIS) was associated with improved wellbeing scores (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.18–2.01) and fewer depressive symptoms (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38–0.73). Experiencing discrimination was associated with poorer wellbeing scores (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.39–0.65), greater depressive symptoms (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.55–3.18), and a previous suicide attempt (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.71–3.58). Females less frequently reported good (WHO-5) wellbeing (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.26–0.42), increased (RADS-SF) depressive symptoms (2.61, 95% CI 1.86–3.64) and increased suicide attempts [OR 3.35 (2.07–5.41)] compared to males. Wellbeing, depressive symptoms and suicide attempts did not differ by age or neighbourhood level socio-economic deprivation, except those living in neighbourhoods characterized as having medium level incomes, were less likely to have made a suicide attempt (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27–0.91).
Conclusions: Māori youth who have a strong cultural identity were more likely to experience good mental health outcomes. Discrimination has a serious negative impact on Māori youth mental health. Our findings suggest that programmes, policies and practice that promote strong cultural identities and eliminate ethnic discrimination are required to improve mental health equity for Māori youth.

Abstract: The Ka Ao Ka Ao – Postvention for Māori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa/ New Zealand) provides a comprehensive view on the position of suicide for Māori in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Important Māori- driven and Māori centred developments with some focus on youth are needed to move Māori from a state of grief, bereavement and distress to one of being nurtured and flourishing.