Title | Toward the renaissance of Aboriginal spiritual culture: Intellectual advances in Alberta |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2012 |
Authors | Waugh, E. |
Secondary Title | Religious Studies and Theology |
Volume | 30 |
Number of Volumes | 2 |
Pagination | 135-153 |
Date Published | 12/2011 |
Publisher | Equinox Publishing Ltd |
Place Published | London |
Publication Language | eng |
ISSN Number | 0829-2922 |
Keywords | Canadian aboriginal traditions, medical curriculum, traditional law, traditional medicines |
Abstract | Despite the still-lingering negative image of Aboriginal traditions, the fact is that significant advances have been made in Canada to lift the discussion to another level and to place Aboriginal spiritual perceptions and attitudes into dialogue with Canadian intellectual life. This movement is in tandem with a general sense of renewal and engagement within the Aboriginal community itself...the com- munity itself in renaissance. We deal here with some recent initiatives in Alberta that demonstrate how Indigenous viewpoints are beginning to be addressed by the academy and wider public. Critical, too is the notion expressed by Aboriginal peo- ple that the rise of their traditions is a way of addressing pressing social and medi- cal problems. This analysis focuses on two areas of discussion: Aboriginal law and the incorporation of traditional notions into health sciences and medicine. It spe- cifically reviews the approach by traditionalist Wayne Roan in the Alberta source website, examines the health initiatives of the Centre for the Cross-Cultural Study of Health and Healing and initiatives undertaken by Sundance chief and healer, Clifford Cardinal in the curriculum in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. It also calls attention to the University of Calgary’s important initiative under the guidance of Peigan physician Dr. Lindsey Crow- shoe. The renaissance continues with some of the advances made when traditional healers from across Canada gathered at the University to discuss the boundaries of sharing traditional knowledge with medical institutions. These elements can only be perceived as symbolic of a significantly wider movement. |
URL | http://search.proquest.com/docview/1017551344 |
Locational Keywords | Alberta, Canada |
Active Link | |
Group | CEMA |
Citation Key | 50650 |