The Hollow Tree: Fighting Addiction with Traditional Native Healing (Volume 49)

by Herb Nabigon

Before discovering native healing methods, Herb Nabigon could not imagine a life without alcohol. His powerful autobiography, The Hollow Tree, tells the story of his struggle to overcome addiction with the help of the spiritual teachings and brotherly love of his elders. Nabigon had spent much of his life wrestling with self-destructive impulses, feelings of inferiority and resentment, and alcohol abuse when Eddie Bellerose, an Elder, introduced him to the ancient Cree teachings. With the help of healing methods drawn from the Four Sacred Directions, the refuge and revitalization offered by the sweat lodge, and native cultural practices such as the use of the pipe Nabigon was able to find sobriety. The Hollow Tree is one person's testament to the power of indigenous culture to heal. Herb Nabigon's healing journey guided him to a life of kindness, honesty, courage, and humility.

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous, Social Work

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 2006

Reviews

[Miika Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an inspiring journey ❤️

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

This, while being earnest and authentic, didn't quite do it for me. It felt both superficial and too detailed in some parts. A lot of the sharable (non-sacred) native healing that he shares can be valuable but has been done better (more engaging, welcoming, and accessible, but also in more depth) in other places, both nonfiction and fiction. I found myself very happy for Nabigon on his journey, but I was not always thrilled to be reading it.

[Niya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir of reclaiming ancestral healing practices following intergenerational trauma is a useful introduction to Indigenous spiritual and healing practices on Turtle Island. It's high level enough to be accessible to anyone, but may be a bit basic for folx with awareness of the medicine wheel, the 4 directions teaching and fasting practices. Best with a tall glass of water.

[David Jaramillo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book could have used more editing. Contains the information it promised so it passes in my scale. Anyone who has no clue of the First Nations spirituality and is interested on learning about it could find it useful

[Tweller83 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this interesting if a little surface level. I understand why it would be considering the sacredness of some of what Nabigon was talking about. I just wish it had had a little more for the non-native person who wants to heal.

[Elias · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm grateful that my co-worker decided to lend this novel to me. I enjoyed reading about Nabigon's story and being introduced to traditional Indigenous healing practices. He has a lot of great insight when it comes to thinking about addiction.

[Kaitlynn Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Lots of really great teachings. Inspiring journey. Honest. Inspired a lot of introspection

[N'isa Freedomwalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hollow Tree author says this is about fighting addiction w/ traditional native healing...and it certainly would benefit this target audience. I learned a lot about balance and health, relationships, and areas that did not benefit me through reading this book. The author risks opening up his life in relating issues to some ways in seeing and being, understanding and living...anyone can benefit from this book. It is a beautiful book. It is not preachy nor does the author exhibit any tendency to being self inflated, and is not pretentious. The ways to approach life worked for him, and many others now and historically.

[Umar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read it for a class...seemed really simple and dull but its an entire lifestory on how Native healing helped him conquer his addiction. In that sense, lots of revelations on the importance of self-development, morality, emotional intelligence and spirituality.

[Ishita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very powerful little book, detailing one man's journey from destructive addiction to the good life. Inspiring and self-reflective, Nabigon announces his message clearly, advocating for a return to traditional Native spirituality and healing.

[Maggie (Magsisreadingagain) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful exploration of the author's journey to and through addiction, and the description of his recovery journey. Nabigon explains many of the main tenets of the Aboriginal healing traditions, and provides a simple story of hope and redemption. Powerful read. Recommend

[Precious · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!