A Cree psychotherapist reflects on relationship, belonging and the illusion of a fixed self

“Pain and suffering have always been crucial in Indigenous healing philosophies, reflecting a deep understanding that mental health and spiritual health are tightly intertwined.” (Unsplash) A Cree psychotherapist reflects on relationship, belonging and the illusion of a fixed self Published: September 15, 2026 12.47pm EDT Updated: September 15, 2026 2.16pm EDT Share article Print article Editor’s note: This piece is adapted from Carry Your Heart: Indigenous Helping Wisdom and the Science of Psychological Flexibility by Louis Busch, released on Sept. 15, 2026. Copyright © 2026 Louis Busch. Published by Simon & Schuster Canada, a division of Simon & Schuster. Reproduced by arrangement with the publisher. All rights reserved. BOMGIIZHIK (Isaac Murdoch) The cover of ‘Carry Your Heart: Indigenous Helping Wisdom and the Science of Psychological Flexibility’ (Simon & Schuster Canada). At Nimkii Aazhibikoong, a culture camp deep in the woods on the north shore of Lake Huron, we find Isaac Murdoch, also known as Bomgiizhik of the Great Lakes by the many learners who listen to his stories and teachings each night. Isaac is a Fish Clan member of Serpent River First Nation, a gifted artist, musician, storyteller, environmentalist, activist and ceremonial conductor, but these words don’t really capture the entity that is Isaac Murdoch. He is a force of nature who is constantly in some act of relationship-building and creative design, whether it be chopping wood for the new lodge he is building for a youth retreat or painting a mural on the pavement of Wall Street in New York City in protest of extractive industries. Nimkii Aazhibikoong is a testament to Isaac’s vision, as he is one of the founders of the camp that offers language immersion, land-based living and learning programs, storytelling and Ceremony. As we sit by the fire, sipping strong percolated coffee, I am struck by the amount of knowledge that Isaac’s head holds. He is a fountain of information on art, music, history, the Ojibwe language, ancient pictographs, politics and bushcraft. He also carries what seems like an infinite number of stories, which have been passed down to him through the oral tradition. Most striking of all, however, are Isaac’s insights into the human condition, into the nature of suffering, and about the path of the good life. Isaac’s own life is an incredible story on the capacity of human beings to heal after immense hardship. Isaac grew up in the bush with his family,…