Traditional Medicines, Practices and Ceremonies Are Integral to Wholistic Health Care
We believe that having access to traditional healing services is an essential part of wholistic health care and a vital component of healing the ongoing effects of colonization. We offer specialized cultural teachings, ceremonies, storytelling, doctoring, guidance, drumming, singing, and smudging, in either group and individual settings, depending on the practice.
Each Elder/Healer has their own protocols, so we recommend that you speak with your traditional healing liaison before your visit. You may be required to bring tobacco, wear a skirt, bring a gift of cloth, or there may be moontime protocols. An offering of tobacco is meant for communication between you, the Elder/Healer and the Creator. You may receive recommendations to attend other ceremonies, or for traditional herbal medicines to help your recovery.
Our Traditional Healers include Richard Assinewai (on leave), Elva Jamieson, Ernestine Mcleod, Joanne Cheechoo, and Sonny Hill.
Location Availability
Traditional Healing
How to Access this Service
Each location has a Traditional Healing Liaison (THL) that supports Visiting Healers, Elders and Teachers. They use their gifts as Helpers to the Healer during your visit, and as Helpers to you before, during and after your visit. Once you’re a client of traditional healing, you may contact the traditional healing liaison at your site to schedule a traditional healing appointment.
We accept self-referrals for this service by contacting the SOAHAC location nearest you. You do not need to have a doctor at SOAHAC to see a traditional Healer or Elder. There may be waitlists for this service and you may be required to schedule one to two months in advance. If you must cancel your appointment, please call us as soon as possible to allow the next person on the list to book their appointment.
Community Resources
San’yas Training focuses on uprooting anti-Indigenous racism and promoting cultural safety for Indigenous people.
Provided by the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council.