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Mother, Heal My Self: An
Intergenerational Healing Journey Between
Two Worlds
JoEllen Koerner was raised in a small
Mennonite community in Soluth Dakota,
became a Civil Rights activist in the
South, and rose to prominence as a nurse
executive of international repute. None of
these life experiences, or her honed
skills as a Western medical practitioner,
prepared her for the moment every parent
hopes never happens: Her daughter, Kristi,
her body wracked with pain, asks
permission to die. Into the depths of this
dreaded moment enter Wanigi Waci (Spirit
Dancer), a dear friend and keeper of the
Lakota Sioux heaging traditions. He
invites Kristi and JoEllen into his
People's time-honored healing ways and
giving community, with ramifications whose
importance ultimately surpasses the
restoration of Kristi's health.
JoEllen Koerner, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, is
past president of the American
Organization of Nurse Executives and an
originating member of the Center for
Nursing Leadership.
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