In our modern, digital times, awareness around the idea of wellness has permeated many domains of culture where it was previously overlooked. Still, some of the most widespread and common hurdles—those that don’t neatly fit into a quantifiable box—are left without much guidance.

Doug Good Feather is a Native American Lakota raised on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in South Dakota. A direct descendent of Chief Sitting Bull, his upbringing was embedded within the spiritual practices and Indigenous ways of his elders. In 2000, at the age of 30, Doug joined the military. After his service, he began to notice some of the shortcomings in veteran care—particuarly when it came to spiritual and mental health.

He soon founded the Lakota Way Healing Center in Colorado. The humble, remote facility set out on a simple, but important mission; lending the spiritual healing to all those in need. We sat down with Doug to learn more about the Lakota Way Healing Center, the changing tides of spiritual healing, and his design work with Faherty.

Bespoke Post: Since founding the Lakota Way Healing Center, what is something new you’ve learned about the power of spiritual healing?

Doug Good Feather: To acknowledge that you need healing is the first step to healing. That healing is a journey. One of the longest journeys you can ever make is from the mind to the heart. It takes courage to heal. Healing is a learning process, when you go through the storm, know that there are people waiting for you when you come out. These are the people who will help heal. Now that you learn that process you will help others to process their healing.

Bespoke Post: Has the receptiveness to spiritual healing changed since you founded the Lakota Way Healing Center?

Doug Good Feather: Yes, but I wouldn’t call it change, I would call it evolution. We are the witnesses to this evolution as well as a part of it. We are becoming more spiritually intelligent. We will see good and beautiful healing from this.

Bespoke Post: What is the most common challenge you help veterans overcome through spiritual healing?

Doug Good Feather: Blame, shame, guilt. I go in and teach them the meaning of life again. To stand up, take the courage to heal, and live life again.

Bespoke Post: What misconceptions do people have about spiritual healing?

Doug Good Feather: So many, but the ones that stand out are ignorance and arrogance.

Bespoke Post: What is a healing technique that you recommend people embrace in their everyday lives?

Doug Good Feather: Pray, meditate, exercise, eat healthily, think healthy, practice healing, not depression, learn to love yourself, and do what you love in life.

Bespoke Post: What significance does the blanket hold when it comes to Native American spirituality?

Doug Good Feather: The stories that come with its creation. It came from someplace, either an experience, dream, vision, or a story. To think how and why it came is so fascinating to me. That’s why I want to share them with the world.

Bespoke Post: What can you tell us about the inspiration behind the design for the Adirondack Blanket?

Bespoke Post: Native American design and art has permeated nearly all facets of culture. What do you think has made the style so transcendent?

Doug Good Feather: What people don’t realize is that these designs are in all life. It’s the sacred movement, the sacred geometry. It’s in our dreams. These designs are in everything that was created by the Creator.

Bespoke Post: When it comes to the appropriation of Native American design, what do you wish people better understood about Indigenous culture?

Doug Good Feather: You see in our ceremonies in our deeds, we earn certain things through our experiences. There’s a story behind everything, how it came, and how it’s earned. You don’t parade around with a false ego, it’s with respect, honor, compassion, sacrifice, and love you earn these honors.

How Doug Good Feather Finds Courage In Healing