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. Reviews: "An amazing narrative that will keep you glued to the pages ... it delivers a happy ending and offers hope to those suffering from addictions and looking for a way out." Alberta Native News "Nabigon's healing journey is a complete circle. Native communities still plagued by alcoholism will find hope in this honest and sincere book." Leo Yerxa, Aboriginal artist and author of Last Leaf, First Snowflake to Fall Table of contents: Foreword by Georges Sioui ix Foreword by Zorica Benkovic xiii Acknowledgments xv Introduction xvii The Early Years 3 The Middle Years 19 The Long Road Home 27 A Meeting with the Sweetgrass 38 The Natural Cycle of Life 43 The Four Sacred Directions 58 The Struggle for Spiritual Strength 75 The Sweatlodge 83 The Struggle for Understanding 93 The Spiritual Path 101 Glossary 115 About the Author: Herb Nabigon is associate professor, Native human services, Laurentian University, and the author of Forging New Relationships: Aboriginal Governance in Canada - Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples. |