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ID: HR19-982

Presenting author: Teresa Marsh

Presenting author biography:

Teresa Naseba Marsh immigrated to Canada from South Africa in 1992 and contributes to Healing approaches to overcome suffering, trauma, addiction, historical trauma, and the aftermath of oppression through participatory action, ancient spiritual methods, poetry and story-telling. Teresa’s work is grounded in treating humanity holistically and embracing social accountability.

The Impact of a Harm Reduction Approach Using Sweat Lodge Ceremonies for Healing Intergenerational Trauma and Substance Use Disorder Symptoms in Indigenous Peoples in Northern Ontario Canada

Teresa Marsh, David Marsh

Background: As with many Indigenous groups around the world, Indigenous communities in Canada face significant challenges with intergenerational trauma (IGT), PTSD and substance use disorders (SUD). Treatment for IGT and SUD is challenging due to the complexity of both disorders. There appears to be strong evidence that strengthening cultural identity, incorporating traditional healing practices, encouraging community integration, and inviting political empowerment can enhance and improve mental health and substance use disorders in Indigenous populations.
Methods: The purpose of this study was to explore whether the blending of Indigenous traditional healing practices and a Western treatment model Seeking Safety resulted in a reduction of IGT symptoms and SUD. Twenty-four Aboriginal men and women were recruited into this study. Indigenous Healing (IH) and Seeking Safety (SS) group (conducted as Sharing Circles) were offered twice a week over 13 weeks. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews as well as an end-of-treatment focus group. Results: Twelve Aboriginal men and twelve women entered the program and nine women and eight men completed the program. Analysis from the qualitative thematic data identified four core themes. Furthermore, the impact of the Sweat Lodge Ceremony increased the benefits of the blended approach.
Conclusion: Evidence from this qualitative study suggests that it could be beneficial to incorporate Aboriginal traditional healing practices, including Sweat Lodge Ceremonies into Seeking Safety to enhance the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples with IG and SUD. For this presentation the impact of the Sweat Lodge ceremonies will be highlighted. This research project if replicated, has the potential to enhance the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples.
Keywords: (PTSD), substance use disorder, intergenerational trauma, blended implementation, Two-Eyed Seeing, Seeking Safety, traditional healing practices, decolonizing methodologies, Indigenous worldviews, Sharing Circles, Elders.