Keynote Address: Exploring the Integration of Traditional Indigenous Healing Practices with Modern Psychological Methodologies

Dr. Mark Standing Eagle Baez

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and First Nations People face many obstacles, inequalities, and discrimination when it comes to mental health services. Growing significance among practitioners in integrating best practices to promote well-being can revive a social view of health promotion among AI/AN and First Nations clients. The integration of Indigenous methodologies and Western approaches will be enhanced for AI/AN and First Nations clients when the objective of mental health incorporates indigenous methods and the goal of practical Western approaches for the clients. However, success may depend on how practitioners define culturally responsive (CR) applications and conceptualize ways to promote them. The Sweetgrass Method (SGM) looks at the best Western evidence-based practices and the best Indigenous practice-based evidence for the clients serviced. The SGM provides a CR framework for addressing mental and behavioral health concerns for Indigenous people. Practitioners can apply the three interwoven strands of SGM to address mental health concerns by applying introspection, communication, and continuity (Baez, 2011; Baez & Isaac, 2013; Baez et al., 2016; Baez, 2023). These relationships are beneficial and essential for offering culturally sensitive therapies as part of the healing/treatment. Dr. Baez will highlight the significance of cultural responsiveness to mental health for Indigenous clients and provide tips for practice.  Read More about Dr. Baez.