Dr. Naima Afzal

Children’s Health, Wellness, and Cultural Belonging

My research program centers on promoting wellness, belonging, and holistic health among children and youth through culturally grounded and community-driven approaches. Drawing from both public health and social determinants of health perspectives, I explore how culturally aligned practices—such as music, storytelling, and active play—can strengthen physical, emotional, and social well-being. My work emphasizes participatory engagement with families, schools, and community organizations to co-develop interventions that are not only evidence-informed but also culturally meaningful and sustainable.

Music and Wellness in Indigenous Youth

My project, Music and Wellness in Indigenous Youth, examines the role of music as a pathway to mental health, cultural identity, and emotional resilience among Indigenous youth. This work recognizes music—both traditional and contemporary—as a powerful medium for self-expression, connection to heritage, and collective healing. Through workshops, sharing circles, and youth-led music creation, the project explores how musical engagement supports peer connection, strengthens identity, and enhances well-being. The findings contribute to culturally aligned strategies for youth mental health promotion and inform policy discussions around integrating arts-based wellness programs into Indigenous community and school settings.

Physical Literacy and Immigrant Children: Building Health and Belonging Through Cultural Active Play

My project Physical Literacy and Immigrant Children: Building Health and Belonging Through Cultural Active Play focuses on enhancing movement skills, confidence, and motivation for physical activity among immigrant children and their families. Recognizing that many newcomer families face cultural, social, and economic barriers to participation, this study investigates how active play rooted in cultural traditions can foster both physical health and social inclusion. Working in partnership with libraries, schools, and community organizations, this initiative co-creates accessible, family-oriented programs that promote physical literacy, cultural connection, and belonging. The results inform community programming and policy development that support equitable access to recreation and health promotion services for immigrant populations.

Expanding Holistic Approaches to Children’s Health

Beyond these core projects, my research advocates for a holistic understanding of children’s health that integrates physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. I work to bridge Indigenous and Western frameworks of wellness, emphasizing community voice, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and cultural continuity. My collaborations with Indigenous Elders, educators, and community health workers have demonstrated that culturally responsive interventions—when co-designed and locally implemented—lead to stronger engagement, resilience, and long-term health outcomes.

Policy and Knowledge Translation Impact

A central goal of my research is to translate community-based evidence into actionable policy and program recommendations. Insights from both the Music and Wellness and Physical Literacy projects are being used to inform inclusive wellness initiatives and curriculum enhancements across educational and public health systems. By integrating culture, creativity, and movement into child health strategies, my work supports provincial and national efforts to promote equity, reconciliation, and belonging through evidence-informed policy and program design.