Madness in the Family: The “Windigo”

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper looks at a particular Native American narrative used to explain problems in biopsychosocial functioning. Specific to the Cree, Ojibwa, and other Algonkian speaking peoples, the windigo is seen as the underlying force behind things that go wrong in life, from bad luck to mental illness. Centered outside of the individual, the windigo effectively separates the person from the problem and serves as a means to not only explain behavior and functioning but to give meaning and empower the individual.