Indigenous sacred sites, ceremony grounds, and land-based learning

What is it about?

This study analyzes the literature on Indigenous sacred sites within the larger topic areas of land-based education and healing, as per the guidance of Anishinaabe (a group of Indigenous Peoples from the Great Lakes and the Great Plains areas of contemporary Canada and USA) Elders and community leaders in eastern Manitoba, Canada. The emerging themes included: (1) sacred sites and the promotion of health and wellness; (2) sacred sites as places of knowledge; (3) the desecration and protection of sacred sites; and (4) legal battles between Indigenous Peoples and the state. Recommendations to advance understandings and correct colonially imposed imbalances are discussed, and health and legal implications are outlined.

Featured Image

Photo by Manny Becerra on Unsplash

Photo by Manny Becerra on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Understanding land and sacred sites as universities and as hospitals is a key in re-humbling our approach and relationship.