Hair in Indigenous Culture

Hair, ancestors, energy, boundaries…who knew that complimenting Calista, our Cultural Indigenous Worker, on her new, short hair would lead to such rich cultural territory? Calista’s response, “I had to wait until a full moon and my partner had to cut it.” immediately led to questions.

• What does hair mean in Indigenous culture?

• What could that mean for GSS staff when serving Indigenous participants?

In Indigenous culture, hair is sacred, and it’s energy. A long braid going down the spine connects to all parts of the body, to the legs, to the ground and to the ancestors. Given that, cutting children’s hair in residential schools meant cutting deep cultural roots. That’s why, Calista says, there is a strong hair movement now, especially for young men. Growing long hair can be an act of reconciliation.

Choosing to cut one’s hair can involve trauma and loss or new beginnings—or both. If a mother passes away, her son may cut his braid at shoulder level and bury it with her, symbolizing the loss of a loved one and new beginnings. Hair is treated respectfully after it is cut. It can be buried with a loved one or at a wake, or it can be saved and returned to the atmosphere through a sacred fire.

Because hair is sacred and part of personal energy, boundaries are important. In Indigenous culture, boundaries control energy transfer so it’s very important not to touch sacred items like someone’s hair, drums, or medicine without permission.

How can we apply this understanding to our service to Indigenous clients?

Respect is a key word. Don’t touch a person’s hair or the person without asking. If a participant wants to get a haircut and they are Indigenous, mention that the Indigenous Cultural Worker can come talk about the practice. Perhaps the hair could be burned in a sacred fire.

Not all Indigenous participants will be aware of or follow these beliefs. Calista started her learning journey as a university student. Before that, hair salons were part of her life. She continues to learn from her Elders, and, at GSS, we have the rare privilege of sharing in that journey. Get in touch with Calista to learn more about Indigenous cultural practices and their meaning for our clients and our service.