VIU launches collaborative psychedelic research centre

The first of its kind in Canada, the centre will bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives together for research, treatment and program development.

A new psychedelic research centre at Vancouver Island University (VIU) will bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives together to co-develop programming.

Known as the Naut sa mawt Center for Psychedelic Research, the institute will combine Indigenous, Western and other ways of knowing for the development of psychedelic research and programming. Naut sa mawt is a Coast Salish phrase that means, “working together, as one mind and spirit,” as defined by VIU Elder-in-Residence C-tasi:a Geraldine Manson.

“We recognize that Indigenous healing systems and Indigenous research methodologies have dealt with the complexities of human health from a holistic perspective since time immemorial,” said Dr. Shannon Dames, VIU Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Program Chair. “Unlike conventional western therapy, psychedelics involve a lowering of the typical defenses of the nervous system and ego, to access areas of oneself that require a holistic and integrative perspective. As a result, there are additional safety considerations.”

The centre is an example of reconciliation in action, said Dames. “We do this by developing authentic relationships, committed to working through the historical challenges that we have inherited and in doing so, carving a new way forward, together,” she said.

Spearheaded by Dames, the centre is co-led by Dr. Georgina Martin, VIU Professor in Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies and the centre’s Indigenous research lead; Dr. Vivian Tsang, UBC Psychiatry Resident and the Centre’s biomedical research lead; Jimena Chalchi, a Royal Roads University (RRU) Graduate Student and the Centre’s Cultural Safety lead; and Mathew Fleury, Manager of Research and Knowledge Exchange for the First Nation Health Authority (FNHA). Other partners include the Psychedelic Data Society and the Roots to Thrive Society for Psychedelic Medicine.

Dames began her journey into psychedelic-assisted therapy research by co-developing a resilience training program called Roots to Thrive, which received provincial funding in 2021. Next, a Psychedelic-assisted Therapy program was established at VIU, supported by Dames and Medical Chair Dr. Pamela Kryskow.

The new centre is the latest development in this work. It is virtual to allow researchers from across Canada to participate.

There are multiple studies already waiting funding to launch and those interested in supporting these research endeavours can contact the VIU Foundation at Foundation@viu.ca. For more information on the centre’s development, visit the Naut sa Mawt Centre for Psychedelic Research.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

Dr. Georgina Martin, VIU Professor in Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies and the centre’s Indigenous research lead: 

“The aim is to promote reconciliation through shared intentions, authentic and equitable relationships, guided by protocols that prevent the repeating of historical wrongs, such as cultural appropriation.”

Dr. Georgina Martin 

Dr. Vivian Tsang, UBC Psychiatry Resident and the Centre’s biomedical research lead:

“In an emerging field, there is often an emphasis on who makes it to the finish line first. Imagine a world where instead of spending our energy in competition with each other, we focus on a collective approach, sharing knowledge for the purpose of maximizing impact and minimizing risks for all Canadians, no matter your background or culture.”

 Dr. Vivian Tsang

Jimena Chalchi, Royal Roads University Graduate Student and the Centre’s Cultural Safety lead:

“This is an authentic effort where we honour diversity while we learn from each other through intercultural collaboration to design and promote alternative ways of healing,”

Dr. Kathy Bishop, Royal Roads University School of Leadership Studies:

“This is an exciting way to bring together the collective wisdom of many through advisory committees and educational councils.”

Mathew Fleury, Research and Knowledge Exchange Manager, First Nation Health Authority:

“FNHA looks forward to partnering with VIU to advance the health priorities and research objectives around psychedelic medicines for, by, and with First Nations,” said Fleury. “By braiding together Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, our work will promote a wholistic understanding of the necessary elements of psychedelic medicine that will optimize health and wellness outcomes for our communities.”