Hello RISE Supporters!
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Michael Yellow Bird, who will be sharing some of his work with us in a talk titled: The Power of Ceremony: Indigenous Contemplative Practices, Neurodecolonization, Brain Ecology, and the Medicine Wheel.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
12:45 - 2:00pm CT
In-person: Norris University Center, Arch Room (2-264)
1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL
Abstract:
Indigenous contemplative practices and teachings have enabled Indigenous Peoples to develop an important paradigm of healing and connection to the natural world that has important implications for western medicine, health, and environmental sustainability. In this presentation, Dr. Michael Yellow Bird uses Indigenous wisdom and western science to show how Indigenous contemplative approaches can create important changes in the brain and body and can prevent, heal, and cure, many emotional and physical diseases brought about by colonization and the current Western industrial lifestyle.
Speaker Bio:
Michael Yellow Bird, PhD, is Professor and former Dean of the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba and a member of the MHA Nation (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara). His research and scholarship focus on colonization and decolonization, Indigenous mindfulness, healthy aging, and Arikara knowledge systems, and he is the author and editor of multiple books and scholarly works in social work and Indigenous studies.
This presentation will take place in-person (Norris Center, 2-264 Arch Room). Please RSVP via link provided.
We look forward to seeing you as we continue another exciting season of RISE Colloquia!