University College of the North has received more than 80-thousand dollars for a new research project focused on northern youth.

The two-year project will examine barriers Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth face when accessing services in Thompson, The Pas and Flin Flon.

Researchers will look at areas including mental health care, addiction treatment, education, employment and housing.

Led by Doctor Tariqul Islam, the project aims to develop recommendations that could make services more accessible and responsive to young people across Northern Manitoba.

It marks the first SSHRC-funded research project administered directly by UCN.