The Evolving Role of Indigenous Fathers: A Conversation with Thosh Collins & Dr. Joshuaa Allison-Burbank

Currently in Native country, there is a resurgence of Indigenous fatherhood life ways and practices. The role of Indigenous fathers in their families and communities is evolving, while also remaining rooted in ancestral teachings.

In this conversation WFC Co-Founder Thosh Collins sat down with his friend and collegue Dr Joshuaa Allison-Burbank during a Native Wellness Institute Power Event that was live on Facebook. 

Dr. Allison-Burbank (Diné / Pueblo) is a father of two from Tohatchi, NM on the Navajo Nation. Josh received an MA in 2015 and a PhD in 2020 in speech-language pathology from University of Kansas. He also attended the University of New Mexico, completing undergraduate degrees in speech and hearing sciences. His research and clinical interests include autism spectrum disorder, communication disorders associated with cleft/craniofacial differences, disability surveillance, early intervention, and culturally responsive service delivery. He is an adjunct lecturer at the University Vermont Medical Center. Dr. Allison-Burbank has facilitated numerous workshops and technical assistance related to early childhood programming and diversity initiatives across Indian Country. He currently works as a speech-language pathologist at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock, NM.

Thosh co-authored, with Dr. Allison-Burbank, a chapter called American Indian Fathers and their Sacred Children in the recently published book titled ‘Handbook of Fathers and Child Development’. 

Handbook of Fathers and Child Development by Fitzgerald, H.E., von Klitzing, K., Cabrera, N., Scarano de Mendonça, J., Skjøthaug, Th. (Eds.)

https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783030510268

To learn more about Dr. Allison-Burbank’s work and consulting business visit his website at https://www.lilmoccasins.com/About.

Instagram: @ndnslp