Letter to the Editor: Who is a qualified healer?

As native people, when we think about the term “traditional healing or healer”  we think of a positive role model, a good person and a person who can assist in bringing change of well-being to an individual or a community.  The person we think of might have certain characteristics such as being non-judgmental, caring, is understanding and kind and generally loves the people.   We all hope it would be a worthwhile experience for anyone to visit a traditional healer.  This letter is by no means a generalization of true traditional native healers who serve our people graciously.

Today, there are no legal definitions of a traditional healer.  Who is a qualified healer?   We are unaware of any measuring sticks used when medicines are applied, evaluated or followed up on?  Although certain agencies or health care facilities have an “Oshkebewis” – Anishinaabemowin word meaning “helper” supposedly to work with our healers.  A high turnover in these positions makes evaluation and reporting impossible.

Although traditional healers are paid a “Per Diem” including all expenses covered by the agent responsible for bringing in a healer, some of these people can charge over and above the services rendered.  This can include extra monies for a ceremony, sweat lodge and/or other ceremonies or even at times an annual fee.  As native people who are cash strapped and living on fixed incomes this can be an impossible imposition.

One story comes to mind about a particular individual from a Manitoulin Island community.  A self-proclaimed native healer.  This person travels all over Ontario supposedly to prescribe medicines and counsel.  We really don’t know if he is a qualified healer and who bestowed him as a healer. Where did he obtain the credentials to counsel let alone the right to prescribe?  According to witnesses from his community, this individual has swayed from what his usual “traditional or cultural practices” were.

Be careful out there of self-proclaimed healers.  This is your body, your spirit and your life they are meddling with.

In unity, your brother Lil Bear.

John Fox, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve