The Legacy of Black Elk
Nicholas Black Elk was a famous Lakota (Sioux) Indian spiritual leader and medicine man who lived from 1863 to 1950. He was born into the Oglala Lakota tribe on the Great Plains of North America, in what is now South Dakota. Black Elk played a significant role in preserving and sharing indigenous wisdom and culture.
Black Elk is best known for his book "Black Elk Speaks,"[1] which was published in 1932. In this book, he recounted his life experiences, including his visions and spiritual journey. His writings provide valuable insights into Lakota spirituality, their understanding of the interconnectedness of all things, and their deep reverence for the natural world.
Black Elk's visions and spiritual journey were the foundation of his teachings and influenced his understanding of the world and his role within it. According to his account in "Black Elk Speaks," he had his first visionary experience when he was just nine years old. In this vision, he was taken to the spirit world and encountered the "Six Grandfathers" (spirits representing the sacred directions), who bestowed upon him spiritual gifts and guidance.
Throughout his life, Black Elk received several more visions and revelations, which he believed were messages from the divine. These visions often had themes of unity, connection, and the importance of living in harmony with all aspects of creation. His visions guided him in his spiritual practices and shaped his understanding of the human experience and the role of indigenous people.
One of Black Elk's most profound visions occurred during a time of personal crisis in his late teens. In this vision, known as the Great Vision, he saw a representation of the sacred hoop of his people being broken and the buffalo disappearing. This vision symbolized the decline and upheaval faced by many indigenous nations due to colonization and suggested the need for spiritual revival and cultural preservation.
Black Elk's vision also revealed to him the importance of the hoop of all nations coming together in unity, embracing their unique traditions, and supporting each other for the betterment of humanity. He believed that healing and balance could be achieved by restoring this unity and bringing harmony to the world.
As a young man, Black Elk participated in key historical events, such as the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 and the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. These events had a profound impact on his understanding of the struggles and displacement faced by his people due to settler colonialism.
Throughout his life, Black Elk travelled widely, sharing his spiritual teachings and participating in ceremonies and rituals. Black Elk incorporated the teachings and symbolism from his visions into his role as a spiritual leader. He conducted ceremonies, shared his insights, and acted as a bridge between his people and the wider world, striving to maintain the spiritual and cultural connections that had been eroded by colonialism.
He promoted an understanding between his people and non-Native communities and his efforts contributed to both the preservation of Lakota traditions and preserving indigenous knowledge and culture.
Kȟuŋšiyetuŋpi tuŋšiyokšičiya opičiyapi
#BlackElk #Lakota #
[1] Black Elk Speaks - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Elk_Speaks
Navigating Canada’s Healthcare System As An Indigenous Person
Navigating Healthcare in Canada as an Indigenous Person
Navigating healthcare in Canada as an indigenous person can present unique challenges. One of many is Physician bias. How endemic is this?
A recently published (2020) University of Calgary study [1], for example, found two-thirds of Alberta physicians surveyed had an implicit anti-Indigenous bias. Alberta, of course, is not alone. A (2022) CBC News article [2], cites the head of northern Manitoba's health-care system apologizing for historic and continuing racism against Indigenous people seeking medical care, and promising change.
Several Provinces have made efforts to address these health disparities and improve the indigenous healthcare experience. Staff undergo Indigenous awareness and sensitivity training today, and medical professionals are taught to recognize and mitigate their biases to prioritize a patient's well-being over personal beliefs.
Moreover, medical professionals are duty-bound to provide unbiased, evidence-based medical care (based on scientific research and the patient's individual needs) —-all without imposing their personal beliefs or bias on their patients. Doing this helps maintain patient trust while upholding the ethical principles of the medical profession.
While it is a goal for medical professionals to remain unbiased, it's also important to acknowledge that everyone has unique perspectives and biases, whether conscious or unconscious. Discrimination, sexism, racism, bias, and stigmatization are still a part of the indigenous healthcare experience today. So, what can you do?
Here are some steps you can take to mitigate Physician (and/or medical professional) bias including:
1. **Choosing Culturally Competent Providers**: Seek out healthcare professionals who have experience working with Indigenous patients and demonstrate cultural sensitivity. They are far more likely to understand your unique needs and concerns.
2. **Advocate for Yourself**: Don't hesitate to communicate your preferences, concerns, and cultural practices to your healthcare provider. Be open about your background and any specific requirements you might have.
3. **Involve Family and Elders**: In many Indigenous cultures, decisions about health are made collectively. Involve your family and community elders in your healthcare decisions to ensure a holistic approach.
4. **Ask Questions**: Be proactive in asking questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, and any potential biases. This can help ensure you receive appropriate care and understand your medical decisions.
5. **Request Cultural Competency Training**: Encourage healthcare organizations to provide cultural competency training for their staff to raise awareness about Indigenous health disparities and cultural considerations.
6. **Access Indigenous Health Services**: Some regions offer specialized Indigenous health services or clinics that are more attuned to the needs of Indigenous communities. Research if such services are available in your area.
7. **Support Groups**: Join Indigenous health support groups or networks to connect with others who have similar experiences and learn about effective strategies for navigating the healthcare system.
8. **Document Your Experiences**: If you encounter bias or discrimination, document the incident and report it to the appropriate healthcare authority. This helps raise awareness and contributes to ongoing efforts to improve cultural competency.
9. **Advocate for Change**: Collaborate with Indigenous organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers to advocate for policies and practices that address healthcare disparities and promote cultural sensitivity.
10. **Stay Informed**: Educate yourself about your rights as a patient, available healthcare resources, and Indigenous health issues. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions and advocate for your well-being.
Change takes time, and efforts to mitigate bias in healthcare require collaboration from all stakeholders, including patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. That said, never forget that equitable access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, and all individuals should receive care that is safe, effective, and tailored to their needs, regardless of their cultural background.
Achieving healthcare equity for all is a crucial step towards improving the overall well-being of Indigenous communities. Efforts are being made to address these disparities and promote culturally sensitive care that respects Indigenous values, practices, and perspectives.
Be the change. Help us spread the ninohtēn ❤ and kiscêwatisowin.
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Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or suggestions you may have. More - www.kesuline.com <http://www.kesuline.com>
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/study-identifies-anti-indigenous-bias-among-alberta-physicians-1.6768459
[2] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/racism-northern-health-care-indigenous-people-1.6596055