Indigenous Tools for Living: decolonizing genocide-informed health education

Indigenous Tools for Living is an innovative health education program that supports and empowers frontline workers in dealing with complex trauma in culturally distinct and decolonizing ways. Built upon the foundational teachings of Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy, Indigenous Tools for Living embodies a commitment to the health and wellness of Indigenous communities by prioritizing Indigenous knowledges and enriching our collective understanding of health education and leadership. Indigenous Tools for Living is facilitated by the Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy Teaching Collective and clinically supervised by Shirley Turcotte, the grandmother of Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy. Central to Indigenous Tools for Living is its commitment to cultural humility, reciprocity, and survivance. Through a holistic, culturally neutral framework that integrates culture, land, orality, community, and ethics, the program offers a transformative vision for Indigenous public health rooted in healing, justice, and self-determination; highlighting the importance of Indigenous-led initiatives in addressing historical trauma and advancing Indigenous health and wellness.