Healing First Nations Through Art A report offering a wealth of hope

The concept of health has evolved Western thought has opened up to new approaches. Human beings are seen as open systems that are influenced by their environment. Different approaches (ecosystemic, ecospychology ) are taking root.

Aboriginal peoples have had a holistic approach to medicine since the dawn of time. Traditional healing practices such as the medicine wheel, the healing circle, ceremonies involving plants, etc., look at people as a whole, intervening on the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual spheres.

Joining forces and sharing knowledge Fostering new practices such as: - Integration of traditional (Aboriginal) medicine in the medical program. -

The need for healing stems from loss, deprivation, emotional and physical scarring, trauma (persons and/or cultures) The belly is the area associated with creativity; it is also where development takes place. Creativity simulates development (ability to bloom). “I have used movement with people who have been traumatized, particularly when there has been sexual abuse.” Linda Archibald A traumatized body turns in on itself, closes itself off to others, becomes rigid. By participating in activities of physical expression, people are more able to let go of their injuries. Dance, sound, movement, embroidery, beadwork, etc., bring people back in touch with their bodies and stimulates healing powers.

Art and wellness Creativity? Creative expression? Drawing, music, storytelling... How can art be a source of healing? Art therapy taps into one of the functions of artistic creation that has been present since the dawn of time, that is, to represent, symbolize, explore, express... that which cannot be said in words. In fact, it is a veritable form of psychotherapy which emphasizes the representation and expression of emotions and conflicts, in a creative process that involves artistic production. Jocelyne Labrèche, art therapist teacher UQAT

Art and wellness Art and Wellness: The Importance of Art for Aboriginal Peoples’ Health and Healing. Alice Muirhead and Sarah de Leeuw. National Collaborative Centre for Aboriginal Health (NCCAH) Dancing, Singing, Painting, and Speaking the Healing Story: Health Through Creative Arts. Linda Archibald, Jonathan Dewar, Carrie Reid and Vanessa Stevens. Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF)

Objectives: Health Sector Increase personal autonomy so that people may fulfill their ambitions and meet their needs Evolve with the surroundings and adapt to them Develop stress management skills Acquire relationship management skills

Objectives: Social Development Sector Increase personal autonomy Meet their needs Live life in keeping with social norms and values Achieve a certain level of well-being

Art therapy: Decreases stress and alleviates tensions Increases self-esteem and self-confidence Fosters autonomy Increases self-knowledge Fosters self-awareness Plays down the importance of real-life experiences Reconnects people with their identity (individual/collective) Opens people up to others

Art as a social insertion tool Creativity touches all aspects of life for First Nations — from baskets to tanned hides to confecting garments. Everything that was worn and used in daily life was aesthetic. Everything was symbolic, had a purpose, was grounded in spiritual beliefs.

Somatic art therapy Johanne Hamel, art therapist and professor at the UQAT, takes stock of the current body of knowledge on healing for post-traumatic stress. She has developed a holistic approach that incorporates both psychological and physical work.

“Dancing, Singing, Painting, and Speaking the Healing Story: Healing Through Creative Arts.” Linda Archibald, Jonathan Dewar, Carrie Reid and Vanessa Stevens. (AHF)