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

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.

About Dr. Mark Standing Eagle Baez (Coahuiltecan Tribe and Mohawk and Pawnee descent)

Dr. Mark Standing Eagle Baez, the President-elect of the Society of Indian Psychologists and an assistant professor at Bemidji State University, is a licensed psychologist with a small private practice. He holds a PhD in General Psychology and two Masters (Counseling and one in School Psychology). With over 15 years of experience in mental health, Dr. Baez’s expertise is unquestionable. His impactful research, which promotes mental health and wellness among Indigenous people across the lifespan, has inspired significant change in the field of Indigenous mental health. He believes the Western approach is only one perspective on mental health services among Indigenous populations, and the importance of incorporating traditional Indigenous healing methods is crucial to address the mental health needs of marginalized Indigenous communities effectively. Thus, weaving in Traditional methodologies is vital in working with marginalized populations across Indian Country. He has developed a culturally responsive approach called the ‘Sweetgrass Method,’ which focuses on weaving the best evidence-based practices and the best of Indigenous strength-based approaches for the clients served. Dr. Baez’s work, which looks at strength-based approaches to address mental health and wellness, has advocated for cultural, strengths-based approaches to Indigenous people. He hopes to change community-based approaches among AI/AN peoples by weaving culture, Traditional methods, and Western approaches for improving Indigenous wellbeing.