Bridging Indigenous and Western Knowledge for Enhanced Brain Health: Synthesizing and Mobilizing Findings on Strengths-based Psychological Support and Psilocybin in Lifestyle Approaches for Age-related Cognitive Impairment Reduction

Dr. Kathy Bishop was awarded a CIHR grant as part of a research team led by Dr. Emily Haigh (University of Victoria) to investigate bridging Indigenous and western knowledge for enhanced brain health.

Our research team, led by Dr. Emily Haigh, Nominated Principal Applicant, Indigenous scholar and Clinical Psychologist, aims to develop and nurture authentic partnerships with Indigenous communities, wisdom keepers, and organizations to increase capacity in Indigenous communities and improve the health of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals. Dr. Haigh is Anishinaabe from the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory, with family roots in Northern Ontario Métis communities and the Thessalon First Nation.

In partnership with the Naut sa Mawt Centre for Psychedelic Research (VIU Research | Vancouver Island University | Canada, n.d.), Dr. Haigh’s research team aims to prepare and disseminate a summary of the literature on therapeutic approaches that combine psilocybin and psychological support promoting lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of age-related cognitive impairment. This grant application is for a scoping review, and as such will inform decisions about a subsequent feasibility study.