Indigenous Perspectives on Life and Holistic Health

The intent of the Indigenous Perspectives on Life and Holistic Health (IPLHH) research cluster is to support research efforts pertaining to the interdependence of Indigenous peoples’ health and the health of the natural world from the perspective of Indigenous Elders. It aims to reshape mental health research by highlighting the connections between holistic wellness, cultural ways of life, and environmental sustainability for Indigenous Elders and their communities.

From a traditional Indigenous worldview, mental health and holistic wellness must be situated within a larger network of social relations that includes both the human and more-than human worlds. Community-based research with Indigenous Elders must focus beyond the individual and extend our understandings about health and wellness to that of living “in relation” to all else, not just for the present but for the future generations to come.

Angela McGinnis, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Educational Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Regina

Graduate Students

Crowe-Salazar, N. (September 2020 – present). Visiting the traditional nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, and Métis life cycle teachings within Cowessess First Nation (tentative title). Faculty of Education, University of Regina (Supervisors: Dr. Angela McGinnis & Dr. Andrea Sterzuk). Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

McGinnis, A., Kincaid, A. T., Barrett, M. J., Ham, C., & Community Elders Research Advisory Group. (2019). Strengthening animal-human relationships as a doorway to Indigenous holistic wellness. Ecopsychology, 11(3), 162-173. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2019.0003

Crowe-Salazar, N. (2007). Exploring the experiences of an Elder, a psychologist and psychiatrist: How can traditional practices and healers complement existing practices in mental health? First Peoples Child & Family Review, 3(4), 83-95. https://fpcfr.com/index.php/FPCFR/article/view/63/101

For more information, contact Alli Allen, IPLHH Community Research Associate, at iplhhresearchcluster@gmail.com.