The “brain school” that experimented on Indigenous children
Jun 14, 2024
28:54
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Explore the controversial 'brain school' experiment on Indigenous children, where participants endured traumatic experiences with electrodes attached. Learn about the impact on mental health, the phenomenon of 'pretendians,' and the controversy surrounding Dr. Hart's neurofeedback methods. Critics demand accountability and transparency over the study's approval process.
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Quick takeaways
Participants in the Brain School study experienced trauma discussions and intensive neurofeedback, raising concerns about potential negative impacts.
The lack of oversight and detailed methodology review in approving the controversial study highlights the need for transparency and accountability in research practices.
Deep dives
Controversial Brain School Study for Indigenous Kids
60 indigenous kids aged 12-15 participated in the Brain School study, where they were isolated, hooked up to electrodes, and listened to their brainwaves. Group discussions on trauma were followed, alarming experts who deemed it abusive. The program, run by Dr. James Hart aiming for self-improvement, faced criticism for intense neurofeedback usage with drastic claims like altering natural events.
Funding and Ethical Oversight
The $15,000 program was funded by Alan Markin, a philanthropist intrigued by the training's benefits. Despite university approval based solely on a questionnaire, experts criticize the lack of oversight and detailed methodology review. The ethical debacle led to demands for accountability and thorough investigations.
Impacts and Ongoing Concerns
Participants like Letitia recounted negative post-training changes, indicating potential unforeseen impacts. Alma and China faced emotional distress post-study but acknowledge external circumstances may contribute. Experts urge deep probes into the approval process to prevent future unethical research practices, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
In 2014, a U.S. brainwave scientist claimed he could increase people’s creativity and cure their traumas. And he got permission to experiment on Indigenous children in Canada, offering an all-expenses-paid trip to Victoria, B.C.
But a decade later, some study participants say the testing they went through — which included staff attaching electrodes to their heads and being asked to talk about the most traumatic moments of their lives — wasn’t what they signed up for and may have left side-effects.
We hear from CBC’s Geoff Leo about what his investigation turned up and why critics are demanding more accountability and transparency over how the study was approved in the first place.