Healing in Chisasibi

WELCOME

This website is a companion to my PhD dissertation, in which I explore the connections between autonomy and wellbeing in Indigenous contexts through a case study in the Cree Nation of Chisasibi, Eeyou Istchee (James Bay, northern Quebec).

ABOUT

This study shows that approaches to decolonization and healing are varied, transitional, relational and creative. They are specific to particular Nations, communities, groups within communities, and individuals. Often they are informed by personal histories, experiences and ontologies that come together to inspire and build opportunities for change and living a good life.

hours of footage

The project uses oral history methodology including an ethnographic study of a land-based healing program and individual interviews.

720

minutes of interview

In all I conducted eight (8) video interviews that were edited into approximately three (3) hours of footage.

video clips

Each of the five sections is made up of 11 to 20 clips ranging from 2 to 7 minutes in length.

I think that is what healing is. Is when you come full circle and start understanding that everything you need has been here all along. That we didn’t need to go looking far and wide for answers, we just needed to reconnect with who we are....

LARRY HOUSE

There is not a single day that went by and I didn't hug them. I'd give them a kiss. I always did that every day, because I wanted them to feel normal. This is normal, being loved is normal. Getting a hug from your parents, getting a kiss from your parents, is normal....

ROY NEACAPPO

NARRATORS

William Bearskin

Irene House

Larry House

Roy Neacappo

Denise Perusse

Mike Polson

Mary Louise Snowboy

CONTACT

Ioana Radu - PhD Humanities

This research has been made possible by grants from Fonds de recherche du Québec - Société et culture, Aboriginal Peoples Research and Knowledge Network (DIALOG), the Cree Board of Health and Social Services James Bay (CBHSSJB), and Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP). The Center for Oral History and Digital Storytelling has provided invaluable support and inspiration.

Healing with the land

Miyupimaatisiiun in Eeyou Istchee