Traditional healing a Treaty right

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The door is opening for Aboriginal people who need help from traditional medicine men when modern medical practices have failed to overcome physical and mental health problems.

The practice of referring patients to traditional healers is being encouraged by the Medical Services Branch (MSB) of Health and Welfare Canada, which is responsible for covering Treaty Indian health care costs.

Although it is not a written policy, the practice of sending sick people to Indian medicine men and women is pursued in other Canadian provinces.

There have been numerous requests for traditional healing practices by patients who are not getting satisfaction from modern medicine, says Rose Martial, a urban health worker, at the Alberta Indian Health Care Commission.

Coverage of health care costs is a Treaty right and when doctors cannot help Indians with an illness, then referring patients who want to go to a traditional healer is encouraged, says Marie Carey, director of Mental Health Services of the MSB.

Manitoba, Ontario and northern Quebec regions, already refer Indian clients to traditional healers and sometimes cover patient expenses, reports Carey.

Although traditional healers and Elders are not always paid for their services, out of respect for the Indian culture, travel and accommodation costs may be covered depending on individual needs, she explained.

Most hospitals do not approve of traditional health practices, so patients have to go to the traditional healers, who are usually Indian Elders living out in the country, explained Martial.

Martial receives an average of 450 specific requests to her Edmonton office, with about 20 per cent asking for information on where to go for traditional medical help.

Rufus Goodstriker and Lawrence Mackinaw will talk on the role of traditional healers at the upcoming Urban Health Care symposium, slated for Jan. 28, at the University of Alberta.