Braiding strands of wellness: How repatriation contributes to healing through embodied practice and storywork

Abstract

Drawing on Anishinabe concepts of holistic health and well-being, this article explores ways that repatriation of ancestral remains and cultural items can contribute to healing and well-being in Indigenous communities. The focus is on "Indigenous storywork" and embodied practices amongst those who are engaged in reclaiming ancestral remains and cultural items, with examples from the author's experience in repatriation, reburial, and reclaiming cultural heritage. The author describes her work developing a graphic narrative about repatriation as a method of storywork. She describes her use of comics and other storywork practices in teaching, and as a means of bringing Indigenous teaching and learning practices into higher education.