Freedom Lodge
For the Healing and Wellness of All Indigenous People
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The Visionary: Dr. Ruby Gibson
For over 38 years, Dr. Ruby Gibson has dedicated her life to unearthing the stories we carry. As the founder of Freedom Lodge non-profit, she bridges the gap between ancient Indigenous wisdom and modern somatic science to help individuals reconcile historical amnesia and trans-generational trauma. By providing her techniques to Tribal Members/Indigenous Peoples, Dr Gibson was able hire Bowman Performance Consulting, an Indigenous evaluation and research team who gathered data over 3 200-hour trainings for Historical Trauma Recovery training. This resulted in the publication of her first doctoral article in the Toronto Press in December 2023.
Dr. Gibson's work is rooted in the belief that our body’s remember what our minds may have forgotten. By offering a culturally-responsive path to healing, she ensures that the wisdom of the past becomes the medicine for our future. Her commitment to cultural wellness continues to inspire practitioners and families across the globe to mend the sacred hoop of life. An international trainer and keynote speaker, Dr Ruby has offered her knowledge to Spanish, Italian, Irish, Austrian, Dutch, Mexican, Romanian, Canadian, Australian, and British peoples.
One of the most profound aspects of Somatic Archaeology© is its ability to reconnect individuals with their ancestral roots. Dr. Gibson’s methodology is deeply informed by Indigenous healing practices, which emphasize the importance of community, ancestral wisdom, and spiritual connection. Somatic Archaeology© is not only about healing the self, but also about reclaiming cultural heritage and understanding the intergenerational trauma passed down through generations.
Through this process, individuals can begin to uncover and heal the wounds that have been inherited from their ancestors, leading to a sense of wholeness and belonging. This spiritual excavation helps individuals connect with lineage, honor their ancestors, and heal forgotten wounds that have been carried for generations.
Her developed technique, Somatic Archaeology©, empowers people to respect their body, unearthing ancestral stories held within their cells to facilitate deep, lasting recovery and collective well-being. By reclaiming this power, she helps communities to align with the rhythms of Mother Earth and step into a new prophecy of health for the next seven generations.
Somatic Archaeology©
 A transgenerational approach to wellness that treats the body as a 'walking library.' Through five sacred steps—Notice, Sense, Feel, Interpret, Reconcile—we unearth the ancestral stories held in your cells to facilitate deep, lasting recovery
Historical Trauma Recovery
Healing the 'historical amnesia' caused by genocide and colonialism. We provide a culturally relevant path to reconcile past injustices, strengthen familial bonds, and lighten the load for the next seven generations
The Future of Native Wellness™
Reclaiming power by shifting from a history of suffering to a future of vibrant health. Our outreach programs empower Native communities to align with Mother Earth and step into a new prophecy of collective well-being.
Serving the Seven Generations
Freedom Lodge is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and recovery of Indigenous Peoples. We believe that by reconciling our history, we create a clear path for those who come after us.
Explore Our ResourcesOur Sacred Mission
Freedom Lodge and The Black Hills Historical Trauma Research & Recovery Center has changed the conversation about health, healing and recovery in South Dakota and across Indian Country. We believe that each of us has a role to play in the health of tribal nations and Mother Earth. Each of us has wisdom and a contribution to make through a deep remembering of who we are. We hold this knowledge in our bodies as a walking library of our ancestors. As the 8th generation approaches, it is time to look forward, to fully heal our wounds, to reclaim our heritage and to mend the Sacred Hoop of Life. This we do to honor the next seven generations. We invite you to join us.
Our Mission
Historical Trauma RecoveryÂ
Transforming the legacy of the past into a foundation for a healthy, vibrant future.
Our Vision
Thriving Native Communities Â
Envisioning a world where every Indigenous person walks in balance and ancestral strength.
What We Do
 Healing for Seven Generations
 Providing culturally-rooted tools to mend the sacred hoop of life for those who follow.
