About LIVE-PATH

The LIVE-PATH Network utilizes Indigenous-led governance and network-wide collaboration to decolonize psychedelic-based therapies (PBT) within Western health services. Bringing together Canadian researchers, clinicians, and Indigenous communities, the network supports Indigenous communities in informed decision-making in research and policymaking.

Establishing the Network

The LIVE-PATH network was developed in response to rapidly changing policy, regulation, and commercialization of psychedelics. Together, the network considers questions such as:

  • Who is involved in shaping psychedelics policy and practice?

  • What kinds of knowledge is shared, and how?

  • What benefits are generated, and for whom?

  • How are decisions made across research communities, clinical care, and commercial activity?

The network greets these questions using multiple forms of knowledge, and creates space for dialogue between community members, researchers, and clinicians.

LIVE-PATH Core Principles

Our Work: Commitment to Relationships and Process

LIVE-PATH creates space for dialogue and knowledge exchange. By engaging multiple forms of knowledge, the network combats stigmatization, extractive research practices, and creates shared understandings of psychedelic therapies and healing.

Our Values: Commitment to Indigenous Worldviews and Sovereignty

LIVE-PATH’s mission is founded in respect for Indigenous worldviews, governance, and self determination. Research, experiential knowledge, and clinical opinions are collected to support communities in informed decision-making.

Project Overview

Ongoing considerations

The expansion of psychedelic therapies raises ongoing concerns related to commercialization.

There are questions about ownership, consent, access, and benefit, particularly where Indigenous knowledge is involved.

These are not issues with simple answers. LIVE-PATH creates space to examine them and to support approaches that are accountable to communities.