In this presentation, Dr Michael Yellow Bird discusses the roles that colonisation, decolonisation, neurodecolonisation, mismatch theory, genetic inheritance, and epigenetic environments play in Indigenous Peoples’ health and well-being.
He shares how he uses western scientific research findings to determine what is happening to the chronically stressed, traumatised, colonised minds and bodies of Indigenous Peoples. He provides examples of traditional Indigenous contemplative practices, what’s happening in the brain and body according to western science during the practices, and how the brain and body’s plasticity and how contemplative practices can create resilient coping in the brain and body.
This event will be facilitated by Associate Professor Nicholas Van Dam, Director of the Contemplative Studies Centre. There will be an opportunity for Q&A at the end.
This event is part of the Contemplative Studies Centre’s ‘Wise Words’ series, an interdisciplinary academic exchange aimed at advancing the field of contemplative science. Please note these seminars are delivered in academic language.
Dr Michael Yellow Bird
Professor and Dean, Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba
Michael Yellow Bird, MSW, PhD, is Dean and Professor of the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba.
He is an enrolled member of the MHA Nation (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara) in North Dakota, USA. Dr Yellow Bird is a member of the International Mindfulness Teachers Association and a certified mindfulness teacher, professional, and has been practicing mindfulness meditation for more than 47 years.
His mindfulness and neurodecolonization work is featured in several mind body and mindfulness podcasts, magazines, and newspaper articles.
