Cultural Wellness Team
Traditional healing is the process of bringing one’s body, mind, and spirit to a deeper level of inner knowing that leads towards integration and balance. These practices honour the relationship between individuals and the natural world. The traditional and contemporary healing methods combined strive to assist individuals in restoring balance in a holistic manner.
The Cultural Wellness program focuses on using First Nations healing practices and promotes sharing and understanding First Nations culture and philosophies. By incorporating storytelling, medicines, teachings, and traditional ceremonies, clients learn to foster a sense of identity, resilience, and belonging in their healing journey.
Kêhtê-ayak
The White Raven Healing Centre is guided by the Kêhtê-ayak (Cree for Old Ones), who are vital in providing a sacred space where traditional knowledge, teachings, and practices are preserved, shared, and honoured. The Kêhtê-ayak, as keepers of wisdom and culture, provide guidance that ensures healing is rooted in ancestral values, spiritual connections, and holistic approaches.
Cultural Practitioners
The Centre’s cultural program is implemented by the support from male and female Cultural Practitioners. These individuals have been mentored and guided by the Kêhtê-ayak. They each have knowledge on different traditional medicines and provide teachings to support holistic wellness. These practitioners have earned the right to lead cultural ceremonies and protect sacred sites and objects, ensuring they are treated with respect. By balancing traditional practices with modern challenges, Cultural Practitioners ensure the continuity and relevance of their ancestral roots, acting as a bridge between the past, present, and future.
The Cultural Wellness Program offers clients the ability to participate in cultural ceremonies such as:
- Traditional Counselling
- Medicine Exchanges
- Cultural Presentations, Teachings and Workshops (smudging, male/female roles, natural laws, etc.)
- Pipe Ceremonies
- Sweats (Women, Men, Co-ed, Youth, specialized requests)
- Feasts
- Naming Ceremonies
- Night ceremonies
