You’re invited to the Faculty of Education and Social Work’s seminar series presentation, “They Call Us Witches and Wizards: The Struggle to Revitalize Traditional Acholi Environmental Plant Knowledge in Africa.”

Dr. Mukwa Musayett

Dr. Mukwa Musayett (Dr. Shelly Johnson) is a Canada research chair in Indigenizing higher education and associate professor at TRU. She teaches Indigenous research methodologies, protocols and practices. Her research focuses on Indigenous community-led and identified issues of importance including traditional revitalization practices, social justice, health and environmental development.

This UNESCO research trip to Northern Uganda, Africa occurred during my sabbatical year in June 2024. Our team of international researchers included those from Malaysia, India, Colombia, Africa and Canada. Collectively we learned from traditional Acholi herbalists and knowledge keepers, pharmacists, community and university-based leaders intent on the revitalization of traditional plant knowledge. This presentation will focus on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of my learning.