Healing Through Mother Earth

Moving into the 21st-century, studies show there is an increase in communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and even cancer (Sinatra, Oshman, Chevalier, 2017). Indigenous ways of knowing and being offer lessons of the land that could help improve the health of humanity. The reciprocal relationship with Mother Earth and connecting with her is proven to improve your health, as science reveals “earths electronic charge is fundamental for maintaining health and promoting health” (Sinatra, Oshman, Chevalier, 2017, p. 10). This research is not new and was claimed by a German Medical Doctor, in the 1920s who reported patients sleeping better after being grounded to a copper wire connecting to the earth Sokal and Sokal as referenced by Sinatra, Oshman, Chevalier, (2017) concluded that grounding the body to earth positively regulates the bioelectrical and biochemical processes within, and this normalizes the functions of the human body. Other clinical results of grounding include reduced inflammation and pain, improved blood flow and reduced blood viscosity, reduced stress, improved energy, improved response to trauma and accelerated wound healing (Sinatra, Oshman, Chevalier, 2017). Indigenous ways of knowing and being could have many positive benefits to our physical and environmental health.

Kokoms Family Wellness Centre

The Kokoms Foundation will be supporting a Wellness Retreat Center in the coming months and the following sections outline the business plan and proposal for the Kokoms Wellness Retreat Centre.

Kokoms Family Wellness Centre

Connecting Families Back to the Land Through Land Based Teachings

The Kokoms Family Wellness Centre will offer lessons that the learner will use for the remainder of their life. The Family Retreat Centre offers an environment where the learner is supported and safe and where families will come together on the Land while and participate in daily in Land-based activates as just our Ancestors did.

Background and Significance

To reconcile means to make room for one another so that we may create a new dialogue that offers a brighter future for our children. Reconciliation involves building a connection and relationship with Mother Earth, and acknowledging and sharing Indigenous ways of knowing, honouring treaties, and creating an open dialogue that facilitates sharing the history and culture of the First Peoples of this land.

Facts
Indigenous people overall have higher rates of chronic disease, and Youth, in particular, are pre-disposed to higher health problems due to complex issues that include intergenerational trauma and colonization (Ferguson et al., 2021). Indigenous peoples are still surviving genocide, racism, and displacement on a daily basis. The Kokoms foundation aims to offer support by connecting to cultural identity, which has been shown to increase Indigenous sense of belonging and identity (Fast, et al., 2021; Hansen, 2018; Hatala et, al). Land and nature have been shown to support Indigenous health and wellbeing (Hansen, 2018), and positive cultural identity can positively impact Indigenous health and wellness (Ferguson et al., 2021). There is significant research and evidence explaining many benefits of connecting with nature and green spaces (Hatala et, al., 2019). Additionally, Blackstone (2009) says that problems such as global warming, world conflict and cultural differences can be “enlightened by respectfully embracing Indigenous knowledge.

Barnhart and Kawagley (2005) wrote about the emergence of a new generation of Indigenous scholars who are at the center of educational research; the Kokoms Fondation hopes to be a part of this movement and begin addressing topics and issues that confront the most difficult and significant educational and societal issues today. A facility such as the Kokoms Family Wellness Retreat Centre gives families a real chance to overcome trauma and addictions as the facility will offers innovative programming that utilizes traditional land based education and traditional healing methodologies.

Reconciling Actions

"It was education that facilitated cultural genocide through the Indian Residential Schools, and it will be education that helps establish peaceful Indigenous relations within Canada" (Murray Sinclair). A decolonized approach to education has the power to rebuild the damaged relationship that "Canada" has with the First Peoples of the Land through the legacy that was left behind by residential schools.

In response to the TRC’s recommendations, I encourage educational leaders, health institutions, and all organizations to support staff through this time of Truth and healing. Support to reconcile could be done through Indigenous workshops and training sessions that focus on the Truth and history of Canada. Additional support can be done through sharing scholarly articles, and sharing links to Indigenous education sites or hosting professional development days that focus on the meaning of decolonize Canada.

Decolonizing actions involve marrying Indigenous ways of knowing with mainstream Canada culture, history, and legislate. Decolonizing also means the inclusion of Indigenous ways into the public school and post-secondary school curriculums.