The experience of being an Anishinabe man healer: ancient healing in a modern world.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to understand the experience of being an Anishinabe man healer. Of particular relevance, healers explained how they provide Indigenous health care in a world dominated by Western biomedicine.


METHODS
A phenomenological approach was utilized to interview four Anishinabe men healers who reside in the United States and Canada.


METHODS
In-person interviews were conducted using an interview guide. The interviews were audiotaped when permitted; otherwise notes were taken. Data analysis was conducted using techniques from Colaizzi and van Manen.


RESULTS
Seven themes were identified: (1) The Healer's Path, (2) Health as Wholeness, (3) Healing Ways, (4) Healing Stories, (5) Culture Interwoven with Healing, (6) Healing Exchange, and (7) Connection with Western Medicine.


CONCLUSIONS
The themes identified inform nursing practice by pointing out the importance of culture within traditional Indigenous healing, as well as the need for a holistic approach when caring for Indigenous people. Additionally, the Indigenous men healers acknowledged their connection with Western medicine as part of the process of healing for their clients. This emphasizes the need for nurses and other health care providers to become knowledgeable regarding traditional Indigenous healing that their clients may be receiving, in order to foster open communication.
Struthers
Roxanne
R
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Eschiti
Valerie S
VS
Patchell
Beverly
B
D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D033262:Narration; D014481:United States