Traditional Healing, Herbal Medicines and Cultural Support for Aboriginal Patients

Transcription

1 Traditional Healing, Herbal Medicines and Cultural Support for Aboriginal Patients Presented by: Hal Eagletail, Wayne Burnstick and Camille (Pablo) Russell Traditional Wellness Counsellors, Aboriginal Health Program Population, Public and Aboriginal Health Alberta Health Services

2 Objectives Introduce some of the Traditional Medicines used by Aboriginal people. Explain cultural supports available to Aboriginal patients and clients through Traditional Wellness Counsellors and Cultural Helpers. Provide information about accessing the support of a Traditional Wellness Counsellor.

3 Traditional Medicines Traditional Medicines have been used for centuries by the First Nations People of North America

4 Smudge Smudge burning of traditional herbs for spiritual practice. The act of smudging is used for prayer and helps to cleanse. Used to purify houses or spaces, blesses objects, used for ceremony. Often people will smudge to begin a ceremony or open a meeting

5 Tobacco Tobacco a sacred plant used as an offering to an Elder in exchange for services or prayers. Given as a gift to Mother Earth, showing thanks while picking herbs and hunting. Used in Peace Pipes, allowing people to smoke with the spirits of their ancestors

6 Sage Sage used in smudging and for ceremony. Sage has cleansing and protective powers against negative energy. Used in treatment of infections.

7 Sweetgrass Sweetgrass used in smudging ceremony to bring positive energy. Used to call one s spirit back. Used to calm anxiety depression, insomnia

8 Rat Root Rat Root used as a medicine in herbal teas and also may be chewed to help alleviate sore throats and other ailments. This edible plant is very healthy and was used in former times as a supplement to a meat diet.

9 Willow Bark Fungus Willow Bark Fungus used as a smudge. Predominantly found in Northern areas (woodland). Commonly used in Sweatlodge ceremonies for smudge.

10 Cedar Cedar used as a smudge for cleansing People sit on it in a Sweatlodge to help absorb negativity; also used as a smudge in Sweatlodges Used as a herbal tea for various ailments

11 Traditional Wellness Counsellors Hal Eagletail: Calgary and Area Camille (Pablo) Russell: Calgary and Area Elbow River Healing Lodge Wayne Burnstick: Edmonton and Area

12 What can they offer? Traditional Wellness Counsellors may: See patients at AHS sites or other locations as approved. Offer regular clinic hours onsite at Elbow River Healing Lodge. Perform ceremonies and lead traditional practices and activities. Provide educational sessions to staff members and community. Provide spiritual, cultural and traditional support to patients and their families. Be called upon for Elder support (prayers, cleanses, etc.). ((Needs difinition) Advise and inform on the use of traditional medicines and holistic healing practices.

13 Services Not Available Through TWC Traditional Wellness Counsellors Do not: Receive payment or honoraria for any of their services from patients or their families. Impose their practices on a patient; patients must request to access supports Perform of ceremonies,practices factinties of their respected on traditional practices outside of their teaching. Provide supports to any person who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or has recently used these substances. Visit patients in their homes (AHS does not have the correct types of insurance to have TWC visiting private residences).

14 Questions Calgary and South Zones Nicole Eshkakogan, Senior Manager (403) Edmonton and Central Zones Marty Landrie, Senior Manager (780) Cultural Competency Chelsea Crowshoe, Lead (403)