Northern youth increasingly find themselves in a state of crisis--separated from family and community for the purposes of further education, exposed to the temptations of alcohol and drug abuse and facing the prospect of underemployment, they often come into contact with the justice system at an early age. Fascinated by and indoctrinated with the pervasive electronic culture of the south, but still rooted in a distinctive northern lifestyle, they are living between different worlds, cultures and races. This resource publication is based on materials presented at the second meeting of the Northern Conference (Quebec, Canada, 1985) which sought creative, indigenous solutions to the problems confronting northern youth and explored innovative, aboriginal and community-based alternatives to the present justice and child welfare approaches imported from southern Canada. The information is divided into eight modules: youth in the community; youth mental health; program initiatives for youth--creating alternatives; program initiatives for youth--teaching survival skills and cultural awareness; youth and the law; youth and the circuit court; youth in confinement--philosophies and programs; and; youth in care. Modules contain a summary of major issues, discussions among participants, a bibliography including audio-visual materials where appropriate, and information on program initiatives. A list of 29 resource persons is appended. (JMM)