Two pathways to health : exploring potential relationships between traditional Mi'kmaw medicine and Western biomedicine

Abstract

"Two Pathways to Health" explores potential relations between Mi'kmaw traditional medicine and Western biomedicine. Both medical systems are presented as cultural expressions. This thesis is built on the idea that health and health care are fluid concepts; they change across time and across cultures. It is unrealistic, therefore, to expect one health care system to work for everyone, all the time. There is more than one pathway to health.

Although the cultural frameworks guiding Western biomedicine and Mi'kmaw traditional medicine are often different, elements of both healing systems have been combined in the past. This thesis asks where relations between biomedicine and traditional medicine may lead in the future.

This thesis brings together a wide variety of research and analysis to form an insightful dissertation on medicine and culture. Oral interviews, primary sources and medical theory are woven together. The result is a valuable addition to Atlantic Canadian scholarship.