his paper details how researchers and community partners have combined results from quantitative and qualitative investigations to develop a program for preventing alcohol abuse in First Nation at-risk teens that are meaningful to the lives of these youth. This article focuses on the levels of theory and evidence which support the development of youth interventions. While this novel, innovative program attempts to nurture health and healing practices, work needs to be done at a level not often considered by academics: the "root" level or where you meet the client to be served before the level of crisis, considering youth development as an opportunity to support a healthy growth pathway. A metaphor can help convey the associated underlying meaning. Imagine a young person, with an inclination toward alcohol abuse, standing at the edge of a cliff. Interveners tend to grab the individual at the edge, if possible. In contrast, work at the "root" level considers youth who may be a mile away from that edge of the cliff. The "root" level is a grounding level that encourages activities which speak to the creative Spirit. For example, arts, crafts, and puppetry can provide a re-vitalization of self-esteem important to achieving a sense of belonging and making a difference in one's life. Some First Nation youth may lack a sense of identification or belonging. Root re-vitalization ultimately cultivates in First Nation young people a sense of pride in their own history, their own language and in themselves. The underlying assumption behind this research is that inclination toward alcohol abuse among First Nation youth can ultimately be reduced. The purpose of this project is to learn more about the drinking behaviour of First Nation youth at high personality risk of alcohol abuse. Central features of this article include project aims and background of what this research is trying to achieve. Focus group activities, whereby a small number of youth provide their feedback and opinions about the issues and helpful processes, direct program facilitators and co-facilitators within the broad process of collaboration. The overall approach of this research is to work together with First Nation community partners to help prevent alcohol abuse by First Nation adolescents. In affiliation with the