There are only 23 Native American nurses in this country with doctorates, and EMU alumnus Dr. John Lowe is one of them. Lowe, a registered Cherokee Native American, visited EMU’s campus this past weekend to discuss alternative healing and what it means to be a Native American nurse in today’s world.
In May of 2017, Lowe opened the first center for indigenous health and research at Florida State University, called the Indigenous Nursing Research for Health Equity. He is currently serving as the Executive Director of the organization. He is also a professor and researcher at Florida State University, and the Endowed McKenzie Professor for Health Disparity Research.
According to his biography on FSU’s website, Lowe’s work “is heavily based within his research program that evolved from his doctoral dissertation, ‘Cherokee Self-Reliance,’ which investigated cultural values that contribute to Keetoowah-Cherokee health and well-being among adults and youth, particularly in regards to the substance use and other risks behaviors.”
For years, Lowe has researched methods of help for Native American youths with substance abuse problems and high levels of stress.
Much of Lowe’s research is funded by organizations from all over the country, such as the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse. His “Talking Circle” intervention method was recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Programs as a promising method for teens.
Lowe came to EMU to speak during a CJP class, as well as a talkback in Common Grounds. He discussed his research and methods with students and community members.
One of his strong points was his personal connection to these issues, not just because he is a Native American, but because of his past. “One of my purposes is to help save our next generation. If we don’t do that, we could be annihilated,” said Lowe, “And that was the intention in the beginning. I am a survivor of the genocide.”
Lowe talked about the effects trauma has on health, especially in Native American youth. His circle processes are a healing mechanism for youth who are going through trauma and may have turned to drugs or alcohol.
Lowe’s core values tie directly into EMU’s peacebuilding philosophies. “He shared deeply about the value and importance of relationships, and of attending to history— especially histories of indigenous people and the land—in justice and peacebuilding,” said CJP professor Timothy Seidel. “He was very generous with the stories he told. It was a real gift for the EMU community. I hope we can honor that gift as we as a learning community continue to pay attention to the histories of the peoples of this land.”
