Eskasoni cultural healthcare workshop: A transformative experience for mental health and addictions participants

On May 1st and 2nd, staff and physicians from the Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) participated in a profound two-day workshop in the Mi’kmaq community of Eskasoni, Cape Breton. The workshop was hosted by Angeline Denny-Sylliboy, Mental Health Director, and team and supported by the Eskasoni Pathways Group and Heidi Weigand and team. The workshop aimed to deepen understanding of Mi’kmaq culture and explore mental health and addictions service adaptations for Nova Scotia's Indigenous populations.

Nestled alongside the scenic Bras d’Or Lake, Eskasoni First Nation is the largest Mi’kmaq community in Nova Scotia. The community is rich in culture, history and values. 

The workshop began with traditional song and drumming led by community members, emphasizing the importance of passing down traditions to the youth. 

Participants were invited to engage in a smudging ceremony and create their own medicine pouches. Members of the Residential School Survivor team guided this activity, explaining the significance of the four sacred medicines: sage, sweetgrass, tobacco, and cedar, which are used in everyday life and in Indigenous ceremonies. 

“This experience was deeply moving and educational. It was a privilege to learn about the sacred practices and their meanings,” remarked Kady Myers, policy and planning consultant. 

Mental Health and Addictions participants toured Eskasoni community sites, including the Eskasoni Health Centre, Goat Island, the Community Youth Centre and Kiknu—a new 48-bed long-term care home. This home is designed in the shape of a turtle, symbolizing Turtle Island, and reflects the seven sacred teachings - love, respect, honesty, courage/bravery, truth, wisdom and humility. 

Day two began with a powerful address from a respected Elder in the community. Their heartfelt story resonated deeply with participants, highlighting the resilience and strength of the Mi’kmaq people. 

The workshop also featured insights from the Aboriginal Children’s Hurt and Health (ACHH) Initiative, focusing on supporting Indigenous children's pain management. Case scenarios illustrated the barriers Indigenous clients face within the health system and strategies for improved access to care. 

"The Elder's story was incredibly touching and eye-opening. It underscored the importance of understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities," said Myers. 

Central to the workshop was the concept of Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing, introduced by Eskasoni Elders Albert Marshall and Murdena Marshall. This principle emphasizes the integration of Indigenous and Western knowledge to benefit all. Elder Albert Marshall explained, "Two-Eyed Seeing is about learning to see from one eye, with the strengths of Indigenous knowledge, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledge - using both together." 

Reflecting on the experience, MHAP participants expressed deep gratitude. "This workshop was an invaluable opportunity to connect with the Eskasoni community and learn from their rich cultural heritage," said Dana Pulsifer, senior director of Mental Health and Addictions Program. "We are committed to incorporating these insights into our practice to better serve Indigenous populations." Pulsifer added, "Understanding and respecting the cultural context of our Indigenous clients is crucial in providing effective and compassionate care." 

Nova Scotia Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Program has a First Nations/Indigenous webpage that features a medicine wheel that includes services, locations and partners. For more information visit: https://mha.nshealth.ca/en/topics/group-identity/first-nations-indigenous. For more information on Two-Eyed Seeing, watch this clip: https://youtu.be/8AAuq9X3mUc in English or https://youtu.be/RkGTP66sQIQ in Mi'Kmaq.

Photo of a medicine pouch, taken by Deborah Purvis.