Pacific Islander Communities

1. Transgenerational Trauma²⁰:

Many Pacific Islander groups have gone through colonization and social, political, and cultural subjugation in their ancestral lands. New generations of individuals continue to experience varying forms of traumatic events or may have internalized trauma that is transmitted to them biologically, socially, and culturally.

Healing Responses/Practices:

• Seek therapy and help from professionals that can relate to your cultural experiences or one that will take those things into consideration when possible

Reflection Question: What are some experiences that new generations continue to face?

2. Colonial Trauma²¹:

Foreign diets, illnesses, and economic practices were imposed on the islanders, disrupting native lifestyles, traditions, and even languages. These colonialist practices continue to detrimentally affect islanders.

Healing Responses/Practices:

• Engage in ancestral practices and connecting with nature

Prompting Question: What are ways that colonialism may affect your community?

3. Historical Trauma^{22 23}:

Trauma that affects many people or an entire generation. Forced assimilation of Native Hawaiian and other pacific islander homelands by colonizers.

Healing Responses/Practices:

• Cultural healings, such as:
  • Lomilomi (massage)
  • La’au lapa’au (herbal or plant based healing)
  • La’au Kahea (prayer)
  • Ho’oponopono (conflict resolution)

Reflection Question: How do you support your family or community in light of their past experiences?