Every month going forward, Indigenous Psychological Services will send out our newsletter we call miyo-mahcihoyān to help support your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. miyo-mahcihoyān is Cree and refers to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of a person.
We will showcase language, culture, and stories relevant to Indigenous Psychological Services. You can also expect staff spotlights and written entries as an opportunity to connect with our team. Our goal with this newsletter is to bring more Culture to you!
If there is any content you would like to see in this newsletter that can help your healing, please tell us. If you, your family, or even your agency would like to be celebrated in this newsletter please let us know.
A Reflection on Three Years of Indigenous Psychological Services
By Leigh Sheldon
Three years ago, I was scared out of my mind.
I envisioned Indigenous Psychological Services in 2003 when I decided to become a psychologist. I always imagined a place where we could gather and feel a sense of belonging. A place where Indigenous people could be truly seen and heard.
When I began my healing journey, I accessed counseling sessions to help heal my trauma. It quickly became clear that something was missing for me. There was an invisible part of me that counselors couldn't see—a shadow I carried without knowing. It was only when I understood the impact of residential schools on my family that I recognized this shadow. Counselors couldn't fully grasp what it was like to be Indigenous. This shadow followed me everywhere, and I didn't understand why. When I started my master's program, culture found me. I felt seen and connected to something that made sense and aligned with my beliefs. The more I connected with ceremony, the more the shadow faded.
As I shared my vision with anyone who would listen, it became clearer that this vision was becoming reality. During sweats and while honoring protocols, I asked for signs to guide me in creating an agency focused on transforming how Indigenous people connect with counseling services. My goal was clear: this needed to be different. It had to bridge cultural gaps.
Then, on June 7, 2021, a picture of my Great Aunty Clara Woodbridge (nee Maria Clara Nisotesis) appeared in my messenger. She was honored for her work in creating change and praised as one of the Indigenous women who helped establish IAAW. She entered the spirit world on June 7, 2008. Seeing her picture reminded me of her advocacy and passion for supporting Indigenous women. It felt like she was visiting me through my ceremonies, giving her blessing to open an agency.
Every June, I am reminded of her strength, passion, and advocacy. There are times when I think of her and feel the need to keep pushing forward. It is challenging to confront systems and governments with the many barriers Indigenous people face in accessing support, but it’s a worthy cause. Change is necessary, and counseling must reflect the importance of culture. As I embark on another year of Indigenous Psychological Services, I often seek her guidance.
I have been blessed that these providers and I have found one another. Our agency is growing rapidly and has become a place for providers to gather and share their passion for supporting Indigenous people. We are building a community where both providers and clients belong, helping each other as we help others.
It's clear that agencies like ours are essential. Indigenous people are looking for specialized services where they are seen and heard as Indigenous individuals.
The Importance of Two-Spirit People
By John Wittig
In the spirit of Pride Month, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight an important part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community often neglected by western culture.
Two-Spirit is a term used to describe a person who embodies qualities of both genders or possesses a unique spiritual identity distinct from traditional male or female roles. This concept predates colonial interference, and many Indigenous societies recognized and revered Two-Spirit individuals as integral members of their communities, often holding significant spiritual, social, and ceremonial roles. These roles included healers, shamans, matchmakers, and keepers of tradition, occupying a sacred space within their tribes.
Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in reclaiming and revitalizing Two-Spirit identities which is an essential step towards decolonization and the affirmation of Indigenous identities.
Provider Spotlight - Meet Cheryl Cormack-Manning!
For June’s staff spotlight, I had a conversation with an incredible Indigenous ally and member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Cheryl Cormack-Manning. After volunteering with us, aiding to our community for nearly a year, Cheryl has recently been brought on as one of our Mental Health Therapists. We could not be more proud to have her on our team.
John: Can you share a bit about your personal journey and what led you to become a psychologist, especially within the Indigenous community?
Cheryl: I have come full circle to my original dream of becoming a psychologist after years of being in the trades and supporting people's journeys. I have grown up surrounded by, and loving, Indigenous people, such as my siblings, my Uncle, and my cousins. I have always been drawn to the beauty and presence of Indigenous culture. My partner and son are both Indigenous as well. My own identity has always been closely attached to Indigenous culture all the way from childhood to present day, so it always felt “right” to offer my support in this space.
John: How do you feel your 2SLGBTQIA+ identity helps you to better understand and empathize with clients?
Cheryl: Being a part of the community provides insight into what people may be experiencing versus just guessing. For example, I have an understanding of what minority stress may feel or look like or what it feels like to be on the receiving end of microaggressions. Through my studies, I have learned that BIPOC 2SLGBTQIA+ community members may be experiencing double minority stress due to identifying with two different minority groups. I wrote my capstone paper on Two-Spirit transgender individuals. Due to the lack of research in this area, I had to learn a lot about several areas to incorporate into the project. For example, the history of both Two-Spirit and transgender people, the impact of colonialism, the decolonization of Western psychology, and the Two-Eyed Seeing approach, which includes blending the Western approach with Indigenous-led healing. This being said, the client's experiences and my experiences are unique and valid. However, I may have the ability to empathize on a different level.
John: I have heard from many of our clients how well they resonate with your approach. In what ways does your identity factor into this, if at all?
Cheryl: I recognize that each individual's experience is unique. However, I am aware that the reason a client may be seeking support may have nothing to do with their gender and sexuality. I welcome each client as their authentic self, acknowledging their intersectionalities that make them whole. I primarily practice using an experiential modality that does not diagnose such as emotionally focused individual therapy, narrative therapy, and somatic attachment.
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