What are shamans?
The name shaman comes from the Evenk language, meaning “excited or frenzied person,” and is used by anthropologists to describe those who fill the role of spiritual leaders, healers or advisers. Shamans are found in many indigenous societies across the world. Often a person becomes a shaman because of family tradition, the occurrence of an extraordinary event like a childhood illness or a dream that gave them insight into their life. Among peoples of the Arctic, shamans can be male or female, and often what distinguishes them from the rest of their community are the close relationships they share with spirit guides and helpers, who assist the shaman in protecting and ensuring the health and welfare of their community.
