Cultural Awareness

A Holistic Approach to Aboriginal Healing

Our programs and resources are developed from an Aboriginal world view. Nechi is one of the few training, research and health promotions organizations in the world that is operated for aboriginals by aboriginals. This Aboriginal experience is fundamental to the success of our programs.

Healing, Health and Harmony

True healing occurs when an individual is in harmony with his or her environment. Healing must occur on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. Problems must be understood within the context of community setting, personal experience, culture and the social institutions that have been influential on the individual.
For more than 22 years, Nechi has been providing individuals, families, communities and organizations with the tools to help Aboriginal peoples re-establish the personal harmony that leads to true healing.

Cultural Exchanges and Activities

Sweat Lodge ceremonies continue to be held on a regular basis at the Institute, both as part of the cultural component and to meet the needs of the staff, trainees and surrounding community. As this aspect of our activities becomes more self-sufficient, we return to the traditional ways of our people in a meaningful and valued manner. Staff members and Sweat Lodge holders support and encourage the movement in this direction.
Our efforts were successful in initiating a cultural exchange with Poundmaker's Adolescent Treatment Centre and Poundmaker's Lodge in the fall of 1995. A large supply of wood was obtained for both Nechi Institute's two Sweat Lodges and for Poundmaker's Sweat Lodge.
A cultural exchange with Alkali Lake Band was held wherein Nechi offered sage and sweetgrass for lava rocks for the Sweat Lodges which have lasted the full training year.
We plan to repeat our efforts and to have staff members pick sweetgrass. As well, we are requesting trainees braid the sweetgrass. This maintains one full year's supply. Trainees are invited to donate sage and fungus to the Institute thus making a personal contribution and becoming a more active member of this integral part of the training process.