Author Description

The eventual impact on Aboriginal communities of external traumas, such as the undermining of traditional identity & culture in residential schools, was to generate a wide range of dysfunctional & hurtful behaviours such as alcoholism and sexual abuse. To address these traumas and introduce new patterns of living that lead to sustainable well-being & prosperity, many Aboriginal communities have adopted various approaches in what is known as the Aboriginal healing movement. This report presents results of research designed to examine personal, family, & community healing as it relates to the cultural, economic, political, & social renewal of Aboriginal communities. After an overview of the research methodology and a review of the literature on Aboriginal healing, the report focusses on case studies of Aboriginal healing programs in six communities selected for in-depth consultations & review. It describes the healing work being undertaken in each community and provides a sample of what various community representatives observed about the healing process. The report then discusses lessons learned about healing, the healing journey, support for the healing process, obstacles such as funding, healing as rebuilding of First Nations, the individual healing journey, and the four seasons of community healing. Finally, the report makes recommendations for communities and for supporters & funders of Aboriginal healing.