Student Speaker Series Talk
Louis Busch - Kwayask Ayamiwin Kaki Nitaskākon (Good Words are Medicine): Articulating a Nēhîthâwâk Theory of Helping Work
The Indigenous Educational Research Centre (IERC) invites you to attend Kwayask Ayamiwin Kaki Nitaskākon (Good Words are Medicine): Articulating a Nēhîthâwâk Theory of Helping Work led by student speaker Louis Busch.
The online talk will be recorded and uploaded to the . The event will begin with a presentation and then end with a live Q & A session.
Kwayask Ayamiwin Kaki Nitaskākon (Good Words are Medicine): Articulating a Nēhîthâwâk Theory of Helping Work
Indigenous helping work is deeply rooted in relational, wholistic, and culturally-grounded practices that have been systematically marginalized through colonial structures, limiting their accessibility and recognition within mainstream mental health frameworks. This presentation explores Indigenous helping work through the lens of Nēhîthâwâk (Woodlands Cree) knowledge, centering the dialogue of Cree helpers to articulate a culturally grounded framework for Indigenous counselling. Drawing on an integration of Indigenous epistemologies, relational frame theory, and systems science, this research examines the role of language in helping relationships. Preliminary findings suggest practical applications for culturally congruent mental health interventions.
Registrants will receive the Zoom link to the talk.
СƵ the Speaker
Louis Busch, MEd., BCBA, RBA (Ont.), RP
Louis is a Bear Clan member of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, a registered psychotherapist and behaviour analyst. Louis has two decades of experience supporting the recovery journeys of people who find themselves in contact with the mental health, forensic mental health, and criminal justice systems. Louis is a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto and an assistant clinical professor (adjunct) in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. Louis has published extensively on the treatment of high-risk behaviour in neurodevelopmental disability, forensic mental health populations, interprofessional care, cross-cultural therapies, and Indigenous issues. Louis hopes to contribute to positive social change through the advancement of culturally relevant wellness initiatives that promote the recovery and empowerment of marginalized peoples.
