Land-Based Healing: Toward Understanding the Role of Elders

Building on prior research on Indigenous land-based healing from the viewpoints of community members, this qualitative study sought to learn the perspectives of Elders regarding land-based interventions within a Mushkegowuk community in northern Ontario. While previous studies have shown the importance to community members of Elders’ involvement with land-based initiatives, the current project aimed to understand, via conversations with Elders, their broad view of land-based healing. Employing Indigenous and phenomenological methods, the authors conducted and summarized interviews with three Elders regarding their views on key components, challenges, and steps in transferring knowledge of land-based programming. Elders spoke about learning in a natural context, strengthening bonds between youth and Elders as well as ancestors, and preparing food in a traditional manner as important aspects of healing. They also underscored the benefits of enhancing a sense of community, cultural pride, and spirituality, as well as connecting with nature. Challenges discussed included funding, permits, parental support and participation, and participants’ reliance on technology. Conversations regarding the process of knowledge transfer revealed the significance of misunderstanding for non-Indigenous researchers working within Indigenous communities.