Indigenous Healers and Healing in a Modern World

Abstract

Is there a space in our contemporary society for indigenous healers and healing? Do Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples require the services of indigenous healers? These are some of the questions we consider in this chapter, which explores the healing practices of Indigenous Peoples. Indeed, indigenous healing practices are not homogeneous, being in some cases very specific to a particular group, and therefore facile generalizations are problematic. Clearly, our interpretations are colored by our own personal experiences and contexts. However, the general backdrop against which our analysis takes place is within the context of the colonial experience, as well as the cultural specificity of the people. We also offer a broad overview and analysis of conversations we had with three indigenous healers—two Canadians and one African American. We begin by asking if it is at all possible for indigenous healing to be conducted in a colonial context.