Indigenous research methods for healing sexual trauma with Cree women

Abstract

In this study, exploratory research on self-determination using Indigenous research methods provided a model to help heal trauma and discuss recovery for traumatic sexual experiences. The methods and healing were based on a Cree worldview. Informed consent and questions were developed by the principal investigator prior to the research commencing. Eleven co-creators had the opportunity to revise questions, discuss the research, speak the Cree language, and participate in one-to-one interviews, group meetings and ceremonies. They also had the chance to review the transcripts and approve/disapprove the content, provide guidance on sacred knowledge and suggest terms to use, and co-author the paper, if they chose and three did. A Cree concept was developed from the work, namely, nehiyaw isecikewena which involved promoting self-determination and sovereignty alongside recovery.

Keywords:

• Indigenous research methods
• cree women
• sexual violence
• cree trauma informed healing research

Acknowledgements

We, the authors of this paper, acknowledge the co-creators who chose to remain anonymous. Their participation in this research was equally important.

Disclosure statement

There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

Notes

1 Treaty 8 was signed in 1899 with adhesions between the British Crown and First Nations.

2 Bill C-31 was a bill to amend the patriarchal Indian Act. The authority to determine Indian status remains with the Canadian federal government.

3 kikapekiskwewin in Cree translates to ‘a future conversation’. A series of eight podcasts are available through Spotify and Apple podcasts. The aim is to explain why cultural values are so important to the Indigenous people involved in Indigenous research.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Athabasca University which provided a CAD 25K grant.