The Territory as a Source of Healing
For First Nations, healing is a process of global, collective and decolonial change aimed at confronting social disorganization resulting from centuries of colonization. This paper analyzes the healing potential of land among the Innu of Uashat mak Mani-utenam. Based on the life stories of several community members, we show that land contributes to keeping Innu identity and culture alive and helps fight the identity unease. Being on the land is considered to improve family and community relationships and intergenerational bonds which are at the heart of cultural transmission. Being on the land also benefits the Innu as individuals, because the land is a place for healing, a place with therapeutic virtues.