Two-Eyed Seeing and other Indigenous perspectives for neuroscience.

Journal: Nature

Volume: 638

Issue: 8049

Year of Publication: 2025

Affiliated Institutions:  Neuroethics Canada, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. jilles@mail.ubc.ca. Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. perreaum@uoguelph.ca. Bioethics and Health Humanities, Julius Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. Murrup Bung'allambee Research Group; The Turner Institute, School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Birrarangga-Naarm, Wurundjeri-Boonwurrung Biik, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Department of Neuroscience and INSERM Ethics Committee, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France. Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. Department of Welfare, Management and Organisation, Østfold University College Fredrikstad, Fredrikstad, Norway. University of Applied Sciences Geneva HES-SO, Geneva School of Health Science, Geneva, Switzerland.

Abstract summary 

The integration of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge with biomedical approaches in neurosciences can significantly broaden the understanding of the human brain and mind. Drawing upon the writings of Elders in Canada, we refer to this integration as Two-Eyed Seeing or Etuaptmumk. We discuss how Two-Eyed Seeing and other dual perspectives can bring both breadth of knowledge and humility to the development of research and clinical practices for brain health. In this forward-looking discussion, we include both traditional academic and non-academic traditions and the work of Indigenous scholars on methodologies, life, health, culture, language and history. To describe challenges and consider solutions, we offer broad strategies for allyship, humility and universalism and situate them in four specific examples pertaining to disability, suicide, migration and the environment. We further advance the power of Two-Eyed Seeing in the context of new considerations for communication and public engagement. Two-Eyed Seeing, per se, is only one approach, but as neuroscience becomes ever more global, inclusive and ethically proactive, it must universally see the world of brain and mental health through the eyes of both reductionism and holism.

Authors & Co-authors:  Illes J J Perreault M L ML Bassil K K Bjaalie J G JG Taylor-Bragge R L RL Chneiweiss H H Gregory T R TR Kumar B N BN Matshabane O P OP Svalastog A L AL Velarde M R MR

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Bartlett, C., Marshall, M. & Marshall, A. Two-Eyed Seeing and other lessons learned within a co-learning journey of bringing together indigenous and mainstream knowledges and ways of knowing. J. Environ. Stud. Sci. 2, 331–340 (2012). This paper provides the original text on Two-Eyed Seeing, from which we draw inspiration and example for this Perspective.
Authors :  11
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1038/s41586-024-08437-2
SSN : 1476-4687
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Neurosciences
Other Terms
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
England