This pilot program (n=8, +2 Elders) explored the effectiveness and safety of group-based therapy augmented by three sessions of ketamine at a psychedelic dose for Indigenous participants in partnership with Roots to Thrive and the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews and feedback revealed participant motivations, perceived barriers, program benefits, and psychedelic experiences. Participants emphasized the importance of Indigenous team members, incorporating traditional healing approaches, and fostering authentic relationships between participants and facilitators, highlighting both challenges and significant program benefits. The article underscores the need for reconciliation efforts within and beyond psychedelic therapies.
Abstract of Indigenous Voices in Psychedelic Therapy: Experiential Learnings from a Community-Based Group Psychedelic Therapy Program
“Novel and traditional psychedelic medicines are attracting interest as potential treatments of mental illness. Before psychedelic therapies can be made available in culturally safe and effective ways to diverse peoples, the field must grapple with the complex legacies of colonialism and ongoing clashes between biomedical and Indigenous Ways of Knowing. This article presents results of a pilot program offering group-based therapy augmented by three sessions of ketamine at a psychedelic dose, for a group of Indigenous participants. This unique project was undertaken in partnership between Roots to Thrive and the Snuneymuxw First Nation to assess this approach’s effectiveness and safety for Indigenous peoples. Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews and anonymous feedback received throughout the program from eight participants and two Elders provided rich information on participant motivations, perceived barriers, appreciated and beneficial aspects of the program, and the psychedelic experiences, as well as important directions for further improvement. In addition to challenges, participants attributed significant benefits to the program while highlighting the importance of the involvement of Indigenous team members, the incorporation of traditional approaches to healing, and the cultivation of open and authentic relationships between group participants and facilitators. We discuss important lessons learned and the essential work of reconciliation in, and beyond, psychedelic therapies.”
Authors: Emmy Manson, Erin Ryding, Wes Taylor, Gail Peekeekoot, Sara G. Gloeckler, Pearl Allard, Charsanaa Johnny, Kyle T. Greenway & Shannon Dames
Summary of Indigenous Voices in Psychedelic Therapy: Experiential Learnings from a Community-Based Group Psychedelic Therapy Program
In this article, the authors intentionally offer structures and language that differ from what is typical in this format, honouring both Indigenous and academic knowledge transmission.
In British Columbia, Indigenous people experience 14.7% of overdose deaths, and Indigenous women die from toxic drugs at nearly tenfold the rate of other BC women.
Indigenous peoples continue to encounter structural racism and discrimination at every level of Western-based treatments. The Canadian healthcare system needs to recognize and re-center Indigenous healing practices for Indigenous patients.
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https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2023.2258120
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Manson, E., Ryding, E., Taylor, W., Peekeekoot, G., Gloeckler, S. G., Allard, P., Johnny, C., Greenway, K. T., & Dames, S. (2023). Indigenous Voices in Psychedelic Therapy: Experiential Learnings from a Community-Based Group Psychedelic Therapy Program. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2023.2258120