The Seven Sacred Teachings and Art Therapy

by Tayler Schenkeveld

This thesis will be presented in first person, as it is reflective of the lived experience in the sessions and the relationship that I have with my client/research participant. It explores the benefits of integrating the Indigenous Seven Sacred Teachings into individual art therapy sessions with an Indigenous female adolescent. As a Metis researcher, I utilized the Indigenous case study research methodology to analyze the data. Through continually aligning with the 3 R’s – Respect, Reciprocity, and Relationality – of Indigenous research, my client was able to reconnect with traditional practices that fostered building self-esteem, demonstrate each of the Seven Sacred Teachings, and socially construct her Indigenous identity.