Native American Communities
1. Historical Trauma30 31:
Due to historical loss of population, land and culture, many Indigenous people experience mental health struggles or confusion with identity.
Healing Responses/Practices:
- Reconnecting with one's ancestry and culture
- Creating new historical narratives that accurately represent one's culture
Reflection Question: What does your Native American identity mean to you?
2. Colonial Trauma30:
Because of over 500 years of colonization, Indigenous people suffer from health disparities like substance abuse and diabetes. Colonization has disconnected many Indigenous people from their traditional ways of wellness.
Healing Responses/Practices:
- Embrace or revive cultural traditions that were formerly frowned upon
- Educate yourself on how colonialism has affected you and your culture
Reflection Question: How does colonialism continue to affect you?
3. Racial Trauma32:
a type of stress forced upon a group of people due to continued discrimination. Many Indigenous people experience oppression in the form of microaggressions and targeted violence.
Healing Responses/Practices:
- Engage in prayer, mindfulness, spiritual practices
- Learn to recognize symptoms of racial trauma like fatigue, anxiety, depression, etc.
- Share racially conscious conversations with those who can help you process your thoughts and emotions
Reflection Question: Who or what do you turn to in processing your emotions?