HISTORICAL TRAUMA
What is Historical Trauma?
Brave Heart (2003) defined historical trauma as cumulative emotional and psychological
wounding occurring over the lifespan and across generations that emanate from massive group traumatic experiences. Massive group traumatic experiences such as genocide, forced relocation, and cultural disruptions resulted in Native American loss of people, land, family, language and culture.
The Effects of Historical Trauma on Native Communities
The prevalence of historical trauma in Native American communities contributes to high rates of adverse childhood experiences, increased risk of substance abuse, and higher rates of suicide. Yet, it is essential to recognize the remarkable resilience that has emerged in response to these adversities. Native American communities have not only faced historical trauma but has also developed strategies to thrive despite it.
Watch "Our Ancestors Walk With Us" created by Andrea Abeyta (Eastern Shoshone) to learn more about historical trauma.
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The Indigenous Wellness Pyramid
The Indigenous Wellness Pyramid provides a scalable, positive pathway toward increased well-being in Indigenous communities, and it is the opposite side of the ACEs pyramid. The shift toward resiliency, positive pathways, health promotion, and protective factors is reflected in the seven areas of the model.
Reference: Rides at the Door, M. & Shaw (2023) The other side of the ACEs pyramid: A healing framework for Indigenous communities. International Journal of Environmental Resources in Public Health, 20(5), 4108. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20054108