| Summary: | In this master's thesis, I focus on the potential relational, cultural, and contextual variables that could be of consideration to non-aboriginal therapists working with First Nations peoples on the west coast of British Columbia. This will be done through a combination of literature review examining the historical context in which the Nuu Chah Nulth (people who live along the mountains) (Atleo, 2004) and other west coast First Nation people find themselves today, the social and political issues that commonly effect this people, the therapeutic practices this people group have traditionally participated in, and a look at considerations other helping professionals have taken working with indigenous people. The research is qualitative, in the form of a case study, and ethnographic and phenomenological research methodologies. A main component of this thesis is an interview conducted with an elder of the Nuu Chah Nulth village, Houpsitas located in the community of Kyuquot BC on Vancouver Island. The interview and following discussion explore her personal opinions on the challenges this community faces, their cultural heritage and how that could play a part in their healing and the perception of therapy within their particular community.
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