Public Lecture—The Sweetgrass Method: Integrating Indigenous Wisdom and Clinical Practice in Mental Health Care

📅 Join Dr. Mark Standing Eagle Baez and Dr. C. Allison Baez in this public lecture in Boorloo on July 14!

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝:
𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘴𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦

👥 This joint presentation introduces the Sweetgrass Method, a culturally responsive framework which integrates ways of knowing with contemporary clinical practice.

🩺 Drawing on community-based experience and research, the presenters will explore how relationality, spirituality, and cultural identity can be ethically and effectively incorporated into mental health assessment, prevention, and intervention.

🧠 Special attention will be given to Indigenous social determinants of health, engagement in care, and practical strategies for clinicians working alongside Indigenous communities in respectful and collaborative ways.

This public lecture is co-hosted by the Boorn Centre, the UWA School of Psychological Science, the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA), and the Indigenous Futures Centre.

Register now!

*This is an in-person and photographed event.

Dr. Mark Standing Eagle Baez is a citizen of the Coahuiltecan Tribe with Mohawk, Pawnee, and Mexican heritage. He is a psychologist, President of the Society of Indian Psychologists, and Associate Professor of Clinical and Counseling Psychology. As a general psychologist, he addresses a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns by integrating Western therapeutic models with Indigenous practices to create a holistic, culturally attuned approach to care.

Dr. Baez brings over 18 years of experience in mental health and wellness, with a focus on Indigenous communities. In addition to his academic and leadership roles, he maintains a small private practice. He views Western psychology as one of many lenses and advocates for integrating Indigenous knowledge systems and healing traditions to better serve historically marginalized populations. His work emphasizes culturally responsive assessment, particularly for children and adolescents, and promotes strengths-based, holistic care.

He is the developer of the Sweetgrass Method, a culturally grounded framework that weaves Western evidence-based practices with Indigenous knowledge. He also led the creation of the Indigenous S.A.F.E. (ISS) Screening Tool, a suicide-prevention instrument designed specifically for Indigenous communities, with a pilot study launching in 2026. Dr. Baez co-directs the Indigenous Students in Psychology Training (InPsyT) program and mentors Native students through the Society of Indian Psychologists.

Dr. Baez, a member of several national professional organizations, is a published author and international speaker committed to advancing health equity and culturally responsive mental health care.

Dr. C. Allison Baez is a Training and Technical Coordinator with Tribal Tech, LLC, and a proud member of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation. With more than 25 years of experience across K–12 and higher education settings, she brings a deep commitment to culturally grounded practice and community-engaged work.

Her research centres on Native populations, emphasizing the integration of best practices through Indigenous cultural lenses. Dr. Baez’s work is dedicated to strengthening and empowering American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, families, and communities through culturally responsive approaches, collaboration, and education.

She remains actively engaged in serving Indigenous communities, sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships that uplift culturally informed methodologies. Dr. Baez earned her doctorate from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.