About the Book

Today, two health structures exist on the Peigan reserve. One is based on Blackfoot culture, and the other is based on western European theories of health and healing. Although both methods are used on the reserve, the government only acknowledges the western approach. This book describes Blackfoot healing traditions, their spiritual foundations, and their historical development in great detail. Akakstiman shows how Blackfoot healing methods can be integrated with western approaches on the Peigan reserve. Oral evidence from interviews with elders and historical documents bring varying approaches to this timely topic. This book is an important document in the neglected field of First Nations procedures and philosophies.'

About the Author

Reg Crowshoe is a well-known Blackfoot ceremonialist who lives on the Peigan reserve in southern Alberta. He is the director of the Oldman River Cultural Centre and has pioneered and initiated cross-cultural programmes for many organizations and institutions across Western Canada. Reg is the son of the revered Native spiritual leader, Joe Crowshoe, and earned an honourary doctorate in law from the University of Calgary.Sybille Manneschmidt is a psychologist, international health consultant, author, and rancher. She earned her doctorate from the University of Alberta and has worked with the Peigan nation for fifteen years. She makes her home in southern Alberta where she is a sessional teacher at the University of Lethbridge.