Reconciliation: A Contemplation of the Role of Art Therapy (Réconciliation : une réflexion sur le rôle de l'art-thérapie)

Abstract

This article proposes steps to decolonizing art therapy, based on the author's experiences using an Indigenous framework of art therapy developed during her Master's degree at Concordia University. The author also explores ideas of how art therapy can contribute toward reconciliation, inspired by her work with Indigenous communities in Canada. A call to action is proposed to art therapists on an individual level, as well as the profession as a whole, to support the decolonization of art therapy. This includes the development of guidelines for best practice when working with Indigenous populations, through the creation of an Indigenous art therapy circle composed of art therapists who support an ethos of Indigenization.