Two-Eyed Seeing: A Vision for the Future Through Shared Wisdom

In a world that is becoming increasingly complex and diverse, one concept stands out for its potential to bridge cultural gaps and create more inclusive spaces towards reconcili-action.

Two-eyed seeing was introduced by Elder Albert Marshall as a way of bridging the gap between Indigenous knowledge and Western science. He describes it as the ability to see through one eye the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, and through the other eye, the strengths of Western ways of knowing. Together, these two ways of seeing can inform and guide a more wholistic understanding of the world, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of life.

This concept resonates deeply within broader contexts, where the importance of relationships – between humans, nature, and spirit – lies at the heart of knowledge and experience. This represents a profound and harmonious way of understanding and interacting with the world.

Two-eyed seeing is the ability to see through one eye the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, and through the other eye, the strengths of Western ways of knowing. – Elder Albert Marshall

Harmonizing these two approaches produces deeper insight and more inclusive solutions to complex challenges. While this concept has gained traction over the years, there remains an ongoing need to explore its practical applications in new and innovative ways, as it offers a transformative potential that reaches far beyond reconciliation efforts.

For many Indigenous cultures on Turtle Island, knowledge is not just a collection of facts – it’s a living, breathing system that is deeply connected to the land, the spirits, and the community. In contrast, Western scientific knowledge prioritizes empirical evidence and quantitative analysis, creating a somewhat fragmented view of the natural world. Two-eyed seeing does not seek to dismiss either perspective but rather encourages the integration of both. This combination of knowledge systems can create a more robust approach to problem-solving, one that respects the traditional while embracing innovation.

A Path to Reconciliation

Two-eyed seeing holds particular importance in the ongoing efforts toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) emphasizes the need for a more inclusive society that honours Indigenous knowledge, cultures, and rights. The two-eyed seeing approach offers a practical model for achieving this by promoting mutual respect and collaboration.

By engaging with both worldviews, it encourages non-Indigenous peoples to develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous experiences, histories, and contributions. It also empowers Indigenous communities by validating their knowledge systems and integrating them into mainstream discourses. As a tool for reconciliation, two-eyed seeing provides a framework for dialogue and collaboration.

By engaging with both worldviews, it encourages non-Indigenous peoples to develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous experiences, histories, and contributions.

Blending Knowledge Systems: Bridging Gaps in Healing

Wholistic Healing Approaches

One of the most valuable applications of two-eyed seeing in mental health lies in its wholistic approach to healing. Indigenous cultures often emphasize the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Healing is seen as a communal activity, where individuals are supported not just by professionals, but also by their community and environment. Western approaches, while effective in certain aspects, can be individualistic and focus heavily on symptom management rather than overall well-being.

In practice, a two-eyed seeing approach to mental health could involve integrating traditional healing practices such as talking circles, smudging ceremonies, and nature-based therapies alongside cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or narrative therapy approaches. Practitioners might consider involving community elders in counselling sessions to provide a cultural context for Indigenous clients. At the same time, clinicians could use data from psychological assessments to track progress and ensure that evidence-based strategies are being effectively implemented.

Cultural Safety in Therapeutic Relationships

Mental health practitioners often work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, yet many therapeutic models do not adequately consider cultural contexts. Two-eyed seeing can guide therapists to approach their practice with cultural awareness and sensitivity. This means acknowledging the historical traumas of Indigenous peoples, such as the legacy of residential schools, and how these traumas continue to harm people today.

By practicing two-eyed seeing, therapists can create spaces of cultural safety where clients feel their cultural identity is respected and integral to the healing process. This not only makes therapy more accessible to Indigenous populations but can improve outcomes by making individuals feel seen and valued within their cultural context. When clients feel respected, they are more likely to engage fully in the therapeutic process, making it more effective in the long term.

Indigenous Knowledge in Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma is a significant focus in both Western mental health and Indigenous healing practices. While Western trauma-informed care often centres on identifying and treating the psychological and physiological impacts of trauma, Indigenous knowledge emphasizes communal healing, storytelling, and reconnecting with cultural identity as vital parts of recovery.

In a two-eyed seeing approach, trauma-informed care might include both psychological interventions such as Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) alongside Indigenous healing practices that encourage reconnecting to culture and identity.

Two-Eyed Seeing in the Workplace: Creating Inclusive, Resilient Work Cultures

Integrating Collective Values in Team Dynamics

The workplace, much like any social environment, is often dominated by Western values of individualism, competition, and efficiency. Indigenous perspectives, however, emphasize collectivism, respect for all living beings, and the importance of community. Applying two-eyed seeing in the workplace could involve integrating these values into team dynamics, leadership structures, and decision-making processes.

Companies could develop team-building exercises that draw on Indigenous practices of storytelling, circle discussions, or mindfulness activities grounded in nature. Such approaches not only create more inclusive environments but also foster a sense of belonging among employees. This can improve teamwork and morale, as employees feel valued not just for their work but also for their cultural and personal contributions to the team.

Collaborative Leadership Models

Many Western workplaces operate under hierarchical models of leadership, where decisions flow from the top down. Two-eyed seeing offers an alternative by promoting more collaborative, horizontal models of leadership. This aligns with Indigenous governance structures, where leadership is often shared, and decisions are made through consensus rather than by a single authoritative figure.

In practice, this could look like encouraging more participatory decision-making processes in the workplace, where the insights and experiences of all employees are valued, regardless of their rank. This collaborative approach can increase employee engagement, improve job satisfaction, and foster a more innovative, adaptive work culture.

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Mental Health and Well-Being in the Workplace

Workplace mental health programs often focus on providing resources like employee assistance programs (EAPs), stress management workshops, and individual counselling. However, they sometimes fail to address the deeper, systemic factors that contribute to mental health issues, such as workplace culture, community, and social support.

A two-eyed seeing approach would advocate for a more comprehensive strategy that not only offers individualized support but also fosters a culture of collective well-being. This could involve creating safe spaces for employees to discuss mental health openly and respectfully, ensuring that cultural differences are acknowledged and respected. Additionally, two-eyed seeing could inform workplace wellness initiatives, such as creating outdoor meeting spaces or integrating nature into the office environment to promote mental and physical well-being.

Resilience and Empowerment

At its core, two-eyed seeing is about resilience – both for individuals and for communities. For Indigenous peoples, the ability to retain their traditional knowledge and ways of knowing in the face of colonization and assimilation efforts speaks to the deep resilience that has allowed these cultures to survive and thrive.

Moreover, it offers a vision of collective resilience, where both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can work together to build stronger, more inclusive work cultures and communities. By recognizing the strengths of both worldviews, we can create systems that are better equipped to respond to crises, adapt to change, and support the well-being of all members.

A Call to Action

In a world that is increasingly divided, this Mi’kmaw teaching reminds us that unity comes from seeing the world through multiple lenses. It offers a powerful framework for creating a more inclusive and equitable future.

By embracing both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, we can foster greater understanding, collaboration, and innovation. We can move beyond the limitations of single-perspective thinking and work together to address the complex challenges of our time. In this way, two-eyed seeing becomes not just a way of looking at the world but a pathway for creating a better one.

This is not just a concept – it is a call to action. Rooted in Indigenous wisdom and designed to harmonize with Western knowledge, seeing with both eyes opens the door to new possibilities for learning and healing. We can collectively co-create a future where all perspectives are respected and valued, creating a more balanced and just world for generations to come.