A graduate of the M.A. and Center for World Indigenous Studies
partnership program, Amy Desjarlais’s final project was a journey of
both self-discovery and research into culturally-appropriate
consultation methods. The thesis, “Emptying the Cup: Healing Fragmented
Identity: an Anishinawbekwe Perspective on Historical Trauma and
Culturally Appropriate Consultation,” addresses how historical
tribulation continues to impact daily lives. Desjarlais explains that
she uses the metaphor “Emptying the Cup” to describe the healing
process: “The healing that takes place is akin to pouring the negative,
self-defeating, and DANGEROUS ideals out of the vessel in order to make
way for new things to replace it with. I sought out wisdom-keepers who
could help me fill my vessel with teachings of our people, ways of
healing and learning how to practice our way of life.”
The Canadian government has mandated consultation with First Nation
peoples, which led Desjarlais to ask, “How can two completely different
cultures successfully communicate, let alone consult, when the
frameworks are so profoundly at odds with each other?” Her thesis is an
exploration of the ways to bridge the worldviews, so individuals can
come together to determine common goals, objectives, and understandings.
The first step is to "translate" the consultation discussion so that
the intent for all involved is similar. Desjarlais points out that
building a culturally appropriate consultation will be unique for each
group consulted.
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