Richard Katz on Indigenous Psychology and Allyship (#132)

CHITHEADS with Jacob Kyle (Embodied Philosophy)

After receiving his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Harvard, Richard Katz began a journey beyond the confines of psychology, into a world of experiences nourished by Indigenous knowledge and its emphasis on spirituality. He traveled in 1968 to the Kalahari Desert to work with the Ju/’hoansi, Indigenous peoples who, as primarily hunter-gathers, offer a view into the fundamental evolutionary roots of our human behavior. He experienced how their spiritually-infused healing energy expanded and became renewable, so, in a synergistic manner, the healing of one became the healing of all. Over the past 55 years, Katz has lived and worked with other Indigenous healers, experiencing that same spiritually nourished healing energy pervading daily life. They asked him to bring their teachings to Western health care so as to make it more appreciative of diversity, more committed to social justice, and more respectful of the importance of community and spirituality in health and healing. Katz stresses that while Indigenous knowledge is always offered freely – it cannot be sold on a fee-for-service basis – there is a cost. That knowledge has been nurtured by Indigenous peoples through centuries of colonization and oppression. To share in that knowledge we must commit ourselves to a path of service, not ego-enhancement or power; and give back to those who have been its guardians. Katz’s latest book, Indigenous Healing Psychology: Honoring the Wisdom of the First Peoples is a culmination of his work. Author royalties from that book will be given back to the Indigenous elders and healers whose teachings animate the book. Katz is presently a Professor Emeritus at the First Nations University of Canada, he can be reached at: [e-mail] In this episode we discuss:

1. Contemplative practices, popular approaches to alternative wisdom, psychedelics and indigenous healing.
2. The irreplaceable role of community in spiritual transformation.
3. Comparing western concepts of psychology to healing from indigenous points of view.
4. Notions of cultural appropriation and procedures for the transmission of teachings.
5. Orienting our purpose in passing on teachings and performing ceremonies in a context of service.
6. Principles of allyship.
7. The roles and responsibilities of elders.

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