Dr. Rubi Sakeskanip An Indigenous Awaking

Trauma, Awakening, and Indigenous Healing

In this episode, I meet with Dr. Rubi Sakesknip and we quickly fall into a profound conversation about trauma, healing, and awakening. Dr. R.Sakeskanip— an author, therapist, grandmother, and survivor of her own early wounds — shares understanding from decades of personal and professional experience. Their dialogue lays the foundation for Part Two of this series, which will focus on practical Indigenous healing tools.

Understanding Trauma

What is trauma? She describes trauma as deeply hidden wounds woven into the fabric of our being. It often begins in childhood, in moments when pain is unheard, unseen, or dismissed. It is what we decide in that moment we tell ourselves I'm unlovable, people are mean they gossip and they hurt others.

• Where does trauma live? Trauma embeds itself in the mind–body spirit connection, shaping the central nervous system. It shows up in:

-triggers

-avoidance

-addictions

-tension patterns

-emotional reactivity

-body language we’re not even aware of

• How do we recognize it? Through our reactions. Through what we avoid.

How we speak. Through moments when our bodies respond before our minds can catch up.

The Awakening Process

She identifies three pathways to awakening — the moment when we begin to see trauma rather thanbe trauma:

1. Traditional therapy with an awakened, self-aware Therapist

A therapist who has done their own inner work can guide someone into safe, grounded awareness.

2. A life-changing crisis or experience

Something that shakes you to the core — grief, illness, betrayal, loss — can open the door to transformation.

3. Self-tracking and witnessing your triggers

Journaling, noting patterns, and naming emotions help a person separate self from symptom.

DR. R.SAKESKANIP’S HEALING JOURNEY

Her 1984 breakthrough, followed years later by a resurfacing of deeper trauma

The power of long-term journaling to map emotional patterns

Realization that trauma behaviours are not our true identity

Healing dialogues with family members that brought relief and clarity

Her name tied to her identity and healing.

Part Two — Coming Soon

Angelina and Dr. R. Sakesnip will continue the conversation by exploring:

• Indigenous healing modalities

Traditional practices, land-based teachings, and spiritual tools for nervous-system repair.

• How triggers can become gifts

Using emotional reactions as doorways into deeper self-awareness.

• Recognizing trauma symptoms

Understanding what to watch for in yourself or loved ones.