Bridging Indigenous Wisdom and Western Social Work with Trish Meekins [E5S1]

In this deeply heartfelt conversation, Trish Meekins shares how she bridges Indigenous knowledge and Western clinical social work to support emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical healing.Drawing on more than 30 years of social work experience across Ontario, Trish speaks candidly about the impacts of colonization, genocide, residential schools, and child welfare systems on Indigenous communities—especially on youth—and why belonging is at the core of healing.She introduces the medicine wheel and the circle teachings as holistic frameworks, contrasts them with Western mental health models, and offers practical, accessible ways for all of us to reconnect with spirit, purpose, and community.Key Topics DiscussedTrish’s Story & Indigenous RootsColonization, Segregation & the Loss of BelongingWhy Trish Chose Social WorkMedicine Wheel, Circle Teachings & Holistic TherapyIntegrating Indigenous Wisdom into Western Social WorkTension between Western political/medical frameworks and Indigenous/spiritual approachesThe emerging bridge between science and soul, and how programs like her Anishinaabe social work training are living examplesThe possibility of communities becoming healing places for everyone, not just Indigenous peoplesExploring Telepathy and Non-Verbal CommunicationAngels and Ancestors Oracle DiscussionGuest Bio – Trish MeekinsTrish Meekins is a Registered Master of Social Work with over 30 years of experience as a counselor, educator, and facilitator across Ontario. A member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation within the Saugeen Ojibwe Nation, Trish weaves Indigenous knowledge systems with Western clinical practices to offer truly holistic therapeutic support.Her work addresses the emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical dimensions of healing. Trish teaches First Nation history, provides Indigenous cross-cultural awareness training, and supports organizations committed to truth and reconciliation. She is passionate about restoring a sense of belonging, purpose, and connection to spirit, especially for children and youth impacted by colonization and systemic trauma.trishmeekins.comThe Soul Professional Podcast - Global Conversation Series isn’t about giving you all the answers—it’s about opening portals of curiosity and possibility. If you’re a seeker, visionary, leader, or simply someone who feels the shift within and around you, this episode welcomes you into a community of impact-driven humans across 6 continents and spanning more than 48 countries who are ready to help each other rise.Unedited. Unscripted. Unsanitized. No hierarchy, doctrine, or dogma—just real conversation at the intersection of human potential, reinvention, leadership, metaphysics, and the unseen forces shaping our world.Come Join the Movement at: https://www.soulprofessional.com/