Biography & Autobiography Personal Memoirs
The Hollow Tree
Fighting Addiction with Traditional Native Healing
- Publisher
- McGill-Queen's University Press
- Initial publish date
- Aug 2006
- Category
- Personal Memoirs
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9780773531321
- Publish Date
- Aug 2006
- List Price
- $20.95
-
Downloadable audio file
- ISBN
- 9780228016069
- Publish Date
- Apr 2023
- List Price
- $20.95
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Where to buy it
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 12
- Grade: 7
Description
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.
About the author
Contributor Notes
Meegwun Fairbrother is of Ojibway and Scottish origin, from treaty territory #3 and Toronto Ontario. He is a graduate of York University's Acting Conservatory. In addition to being an award-winning actor, Meegwun is also a talented Northern traditional dancer and singer. He is the narrator of the Governor General's Literary Award-winning book The Marrow Thieves, which was shortlisted for CBC Canada Reads. He spends his time between Toronto and Winnipeg.
Librarian Reviews
The Hollow Tree: Fighting Addiction with Traditional Native Healing
This book chronicles the author’s struggle with alcoholism and how traditional Aboriginal healing methods enabled him to remain sober for more than twenty years. After losing his arm, his self-respect and his family due to drinking, the Elders suggest that he go on a four-day fast in order to cleanse his spirit. The book reveals ritual healing with sweetgrass, the natural cycle of life, the medicine wheel, the sweatlodge, and the spiritual path that the author took in order to find acceptance within—spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally. The book includes a glossary, poetry, diagrams and vibrant drawings.Herb Nabigon is associate professor, Native human services, Laurentian University.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2007-2008.
