Two-Eyed Seeing is an approach to viewing the world "from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing, and to see from the other eye with the strengths of Western ways of knowing, and to use both of these eyes together".
Two-Eyed Seeing was introduced by Mi’kmaq Elders, Albert and Murdena Marshall from Eskasoni First Nation, alongside Cape Breton University (CBU) professor, Cheryl Bartlett. Albert Marshall.
The Indigenous worldview and knowledge incorporates both the intuitive, holistic, metaphorical mind of the brains right hemisphere with the analytic, reductive, linear left hemisphere, whereas Western worldviews and knowledge rely predominantly on the functions of the linear, analytic left hemisphere. In this case ‘Two Eyed Seeing’ refers to a state of mind that relies on a balanced use of the left and right brain functions. This is often referred to as a holistic worldview. From an Indigenous perspective we define this as consisting of knowledge produced from the body, mind, heart and spirit. A ‘whole-brain’ approach increases the capacity to perceive crisis (i.e. colonization) as an opportunity to grow and become stronger and minimize the negative effects of trauma.
Colonization experiences which have included residential schools and resulted in loss of language, culture, teachings, beliefs, lands and self determination all contributed to progressive disconnection from ‘two eyed seeing’, weakening the ability to face and cope with crisis. Today, crisis often creates increased events of trauma that result in prolonged and pervasive physical, mental, emotional and spiritual harm, weakening positive connections and relationships within family, and community. Indigenous communities that maintain traditional cultural practices, beliefs, values and self determination experience less crisis and trauma and cope more effectively with these events. ‘Two eyed seeing’ and living appears to increase the capacity to cope with and benefit from crisis so that trauma occurs less and when it happens it is less likely to produce enduring harmful effects. Today we refer to this capacity as resilience.
Source: Indigenous Trauma and Healing