The pandemic has compounded the existing issue of limited resources, straining communities as they find new ways to face those challenges.
That's the context faced by six young women in their 20s and early 30s as they embark on the second year of regional advocacy group New North's Pathfinders program, designed to encourage wellness and mental health and to raise awareness about services connecting young northerners to their culture and community.
Heaven Smith of Pinehouse, Leigh-Ann Okemau of Southend, Shaylynn McAuley of La Ronge and Kaleigh Aramenko of Ile à la Crosse spoke to The StarPhoenix about the challenges facing the north, and the feeling of hope they get from their work.