Situating the Horse-Human Relationship in Indigenous Education
Traditionally, horses played an integral role in the lives of Indigenous peoples across North America for hundreds and hundreds of years. The current research study investigated (a) Indigenous ways of knowing and being that emerge from gathering narratives about Indigenous horses from traditional Elders and knowledge keepers, and (b) how traditional knowledge of the horse-human relationship can inform the development of an Indigenous-centered equine learning and therapy program with Indigenous horses and youth. The research results revealed that horses have the agency to help heal and promote holistic health in a number of ways from a traditional Indigenous perspective. As such, equine learning and therapy programs must be adapted to meet the unique needs of Indigenous youth by pairing them with Indigenous horses in culturally-relevant ways.