Re-storying health promotion models toward population sovereignty

Traditional Indigenous Knowledge, Culture, and Practices (TIKCP) underpin the emergence of contemporary salutogenic and integrative health models, yet Indigenous voices, teachings, and perspectives often go unrecognized in the development, dissemination, and spread of these contemporary models. Re-storying—cultural reclamation within a complex sociocultural landscape—is growing as a concept and approach that supports healing and sovereignty in populations adversely impacted by dynamics of oppression. Situating these efforts within TIKCP demands repeated evaluation and inclusion of their unique historical, sociocultural, and sacred origins. Without this undertaking, historical and ongoing injustices, power imbalances, and cultural appropriation can be perpetuated, further threatening the self-determination. Healing within and between sub-populations, through epistemic and cultural humility, is supported when respect for TIKCP is openly acknowledged, explored, and supported during dissemination of modern versions of ancient systems. This community case study draws upon a specific contemporary salutogenic healing model to explore how intentional processes of reconciliation and Indigenization can be approached to support healing, well-being, and health sovereignty. Fostering respect for and honoring Indigenous experiences and voices supports culturally attuned environments that in turn amplifies potential for individual and community-wide well-being. The framework described for re-storying a westernized and evidence-based model of mind–body medicine carries potential to support healing from historical trauma, ambiguous loss, and ongoing harm linked to colonialism, present-day prejudice, injustice, and discrimination.