Memories Hold Hands: Understanding Historical Trauma and Unresolved Historical Grief in American Indian / Alaska Native Communities
Date
2015-09-17
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National Children's Advocacy Center
Abstract
Historical trauma is the cumulative emotional and psychological wounding over the lifespan and across generations, emanating from massive group trauma (Brave Heart, 1999a, 1999b, 2000; Brave Heart & DeBruyn, 1998; Yellow Horse-Braveheart, 1996; Subia-Bigfoot, 2006, 2007, 2009). An important area of research on historical trauma considers the intersection of historical and contemporary trauma. Understanding this critical connection has become increasingly important for treatment professionals responding to child and family maltreatment.
Culturally aware interventions for Native children who have experienced trauma focus on contemporary trauma in the context of historical, cumulative and collective experience. In order to more adequately address the pressing needs of Native children, we must confront the transmission of trauma across generations, and incorporate the strengths and resiliencies gained from generations of survival and adaptation. It is clear that many Indigenous communities have enhanced community ties to culture and tradition. Support of those families and communities is critical in preventing further reinforcement of historical trauma as a contemporary experience.
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Keywords
Historical Trauma, Historical Grief, American Indian, Alaska Native, group trauma, family maltreatment, Native children
Citation
Aytes, K. (2015). Memories Hold Hands: Understanding Historical Trauma and Unresolved Historical Grief in American Indian / Alaska Native Communities. Huntsville, AL; National Children's Advocacy Center.