The Hollow Tree: Fighting Addiction with Traditional Native Healing

by Herb Nabigon

Overview

Before discovering native healing methods, Herb Nabigon could not imagine a life without alcohol. His powerful autobiography, The Hollow Tree, tells the story of his struggle to overcome addiction with the help of the spiritual teachings and brotherly love of his elders. Nabigon had spent much of his life wrestling with self-destructive impulses, feelings of inferiority and resentment, and alcohol abuse when Eddie Bellerose, an Elder, introduced him to the ancient Cree teachings. With the help of healing methods drawn from the Four Sacred Directions, the refuge and revitalization offered by the sweat lodge, and native cultural practices such as the use of the pipe Nabigon was able to find sobriety. The Hollow Tree is one person's testament to the power of indigenous culture to heal. Herb Nabigon's healing journey guided him to a life of kindness, honesty, courage, and humility.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780773531321
Publisher:	McGill-Queens University Press
Publication date:	08/08/2006
Series:	McGill-Queen's Indigenous and Northern Studies , #49
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Meegwun Fairbrother is of Ojibway and Scottish origin, from treaty territory #3 and Toronto Ontario. He is a graduate of York University's Acting Conservatory. In addition to being an award-winning actor, Meegwun is also a talented Northern traditional dancer and singer. He is the narrator of the Governor General's Literary Award-winning book The Marrow Thieves, which was shortlisted for CBC Canada Reads. He spends his time between Toronto and Winnipeg.