InternationalIndigenousSpeakers Bureau

Wholistic Theory: Indigenous Healing Practices

Indigenous wholistic theory is a multifaceted approach to health and well-being--it involves the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical elements of our existence. In this presentation, Dr. Absolon uses a wholistic framework to inspire audiences to bring these four elements together in order to lead a well-rounded and socially responsible lifestyle. By deepening the relationships between these elements and our individual and collective selves, Absolon demonstrates the powerful gifts that Indigenous ways of knowing bring to understanding our realities and experiences.

Join Dr. Kathy Absolon in this presentation to:

• Discover the benefits of a “Wholistic knowledge bundle”
• Develop an understanding of wholism in Indigenous contexts
• Unlock ways to implement the teachings of the Medicine Wheel within day-to-day life

Connections to the Land

Generation after generation, Western societies continue to lose their connections to nature. For Indigenous communities, the land has long been an ultimate source of life that provides healing, kinship, sustainability, and teachings of reciprocity. In this session, Absolon bridges these two worlds to show audiences the true value in restoring our relationship with the land.

Audiences will discover:

• An introduction to Indigenous ways of knowing
• Powerful possibilities of listening to and learning from the world around us
• Essential tools for protecting the land

Decolonization: Waking Up from the “Colonial Coma”

Drawing upon Indigenous worldviews and her own experiences, Kathy is dedicated to unpacking the perverse effects of colonialism and reconstructing perceptions of Indigenous identity and history. An impassioned educator, she understands the pivotal role that education plays in waking the world up from its “colonial coma”, the effects of which negatively impact the spirit, mind, and body. Join Kathy in this session as she lights the path to recognizing the subconscious internalization of colonial beliefs and values within your organization, spaces, and conversations.

Audiences will discover: 

• How we have internalized colonial ideologies without knowing
• The ways in which colonial constructs and systems limit us, within and beyond social and cultural proportions
• How to become familiar with the discomfort that the journey to decolonization brings

Coming Full Circle: A History of Colonialism in Canada

In this presentation, Dr. Kathy Absolon takes us through the misrepresented history of Indigenous colonization in Canada: the upheaval from contact with settlers, the rapid prevalence of Christianity, and the influence of European history. Through detailed storytelling and reflections, Kathy enlightens audiences with a bird’s eye view of colonialism in Canada and illustrates the connections in our shared history. 

This presentation will include: 

• The legacy of social injustices imposed upon Indigenous communities and their origins
• An historical account of Indigenous societies
• An understanding of the domino effect of colonization

A Personal Journey: Growing Up in the Bush and Navigating the Academy

Reflecting on her experiences growing up in the bush, Kathy shares her compelling stories of resilience, resistance, and identity reclamation. In this moving presentation, audiences will be inspired by Kathy’s tenacious journey to heal from acts of colonialism and internalized oppression she has faced throughout her life. Her metamorphic teachings of finding your voice will instill audiences with the tools for overcoming constructed barriers and challenging experiences.

Join Kathy in this presentation to:

• Discover ways to establish vision and find your inner strength
• Explore the differences between proactive versus reactive means of asserting our voices
• Conquer the need for belonging and learn to nurture the self from within