| Summary: | <p>This qualitative study was based on the premise that there exists numerous
methodologies of counselling that are grounded in non-Western forms of counselling
psychology. The problem is that there is very little information to be found on
Indigenous forms of counselling. The intention of this study is to begin the process of
identifying the theory that underlies Northern Manitoba Cree counselling methods. This
study, however, only begins the task of documenting the theoretical premises underlying
Muskego (Swampy) and Rock (Asini) Cree counselling and there is much more to done.</p>
<p>The research methodology used for this study incorporated a blend of Western
academic theory and Indigenous Research approaches. The Western theories adopted for
this study were Ethnography and Naturalistic Inquiry. The Indigenous research was
primarily Oral Tradition, as it had been taught to the researcher in her home territory of
Northern Manitoba. Both the data collection and analysis phases utilized a blending of
Western and Indigenous approaches to identify relevant information regarding theoretical
premises of counselling.</p>
<p>Indigenous forms of counselling are grounded on animism and are predominantly
intuitive in nature. Although this philosophical basis is in diametric opposition with
Western academic psychology, it is no less valid, just different. This study identifies
methodologies to demonstrate that there are methods of counselling other than Western
psychological methods. The study documents five theoretical premises; the role of
language in learning to become and carrying counselling, the role of spirituality in
counselling, Indigenous counselors receive training that is structured and systematic,
becoming a counselor requires specific inherent personal qualities, and looks at a few
techniques of counselling utilized by the Muskego and Asini Cree people.</p>
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