Relatuhedron: A Machine of Possibilities

A journey of new routes of healing with/by Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants is shared under the Two Eyed-Seeing Perspective of Elder Albert Marshall. The Universal Human Right of Indigenous self-determination and Relationality are the togetherness presented in a ＂mangrove tree＂ that lives between salty and sweet waters emerging as a protective place of rich ecosystems. The relatuhedron (shapes of relationality) a co-construction of a home, a Wigwam, Long House, Maloca, Ue, crystalizes knowledge and practices in the process of individual and community healing and cultural transactions. A set of neologisms such as relatuhedron, pedagomiologies, and social grammars, is proposed to challenge our views of mental health, healing, cultural transactions, stereotypes, recovery, and public policy and include simplicities and complexities required to support Indigenous well-being. It is a ＂machine of possibilities＂ for students and professionals working with/by and for Indigenous communities. In this book healing is presented as a process through scholarly practice and reflection. Healing is a process of emergence of meaning by improving relationality with the self, nature and others, in a practical approach to socio-cultural transformations. In sum, healing is based on individual and community processes both honoring and respective Indigenous knowledge and scientific research to create endless opportunities for well-being. This book presents healing as a process of growth, a complex, dynamic and evolutive journey of transforming how we stablish and maintain relationships with the self, nature and others inside of our cultural negotiations.

Juan Carlos Rodriguez Camacho, PhD: As a descendent of Chibchas, Caribes, and Choques Indigenous tribes, Dr. Rodriguez was born in the town of Soata (place of the sun’s tillage in the Muisc-cubun the language of the Muiscas). He holds a PhD in Education from Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, a PhD in Psychology from Commonwealth Open University, an AbD in Experimental Psychology from Complutense University, Spain, a Master from University of Guelph, Ontario Canada and a Bachelor in Psychology from La Sabana University, Bogota Colombia. Dr. Rodriguez has conducted research and research methodology studies with Indigenous communities in Canada and Latin America. He is a rural registered teacher, internationally trained psychologist, and university lecturer. In Canada, he has collaborated with Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, the University of Toronto, and McMaster University. Currently he is researching Indigenous ethics of health research and Indigenous education as Assistant Professor at the Mi’kmaq Wolastoqey Centre, Faculty of Education, University of New Brunswick, New Brunswick Canada and Global Indigenous Mental Health with the department of psychology at University Guelph-Humber in Ontario.