"Put on the kettle:" study on identifying theoretical premises of Muskego and Asini Cree counselling methods

Abstract

This qualitative study was based on the premise that there exists numerous methodologies of counselling that are grounded in non-Western forms of counselling psychology. The problem is that there is very little information to be found on Indigenous forms of counselling. The intention of this study is to begin the process of identifying the theory that underlies Northern Manitoba Cree counselling methods. This study, however, only begins the task of documenting the theoretical premises underlying Muskego (Swampy) and Rock (Asini) Cree counselling and there is much more to done. The research methodology used for this study incorporated a blend of Western academic theory and Indigenous Research approaches. The Western theories adopted for this study were Ethnography and Naturalistic Inquiry. The Indigenous research was primarily Oral Tradition, as it had been taught to the researcher in her home territory of Northern Manitoba. Both the data collection and analysis phases utilized a blending of Western and Indigenous approaches to identify relevant information regarding theoretical premises of counselling. Indigenous forms of counselling are grounded on animism and are predominantly intuitive in nature. Although this philosophical basis is in diametric opposition with Western academic psychology, it is no less valid, just different. This study identifies methodologies to demonstrate that there are methods of counselling other than Western psychological methods. The study documents five theoretical premises; the role of language in learning to become and carrying counselling, the role of spirituality in counselling, Indigenous counselors receive training that is structured and systematic, becoming a counselor requires specific inherent personal qualities, and looks at a few techniques of counselling utilized by the Muskego and Asini Cree people.