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Native American Historical Trauma, Intergenerational Trauma and
Unresolved Grief
Major Scholars of Historical trauma are Dr. Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart,
Eduardo and Bonnie Duran
"Intergenerational Trauma and Historical Grief in American
Indians: A Review of Concepts"
Historical Trauma The collective
emotional, psychological and spiritual injury both over the life span and across
generations, resulting from a cataclysmic history of genocide.
Causes of historical trauma: a legacy of genocide
Six Phases of Historical Unresolved Grief
1st Contact: life shock, genocide, no time for grief
Colonization: introduction of disease and alcohol, traumatic events such as
Wounded Knee Massacre 1889
EconomicCompetition: sustenance loss, loss of homeland and
foods/resources (physical/spiritual)
Invasion/War Period: extermination, refugee symptoms
Subjugation/Reservation Period: confined/translocated, forced dependency on
oppressor, lack of security
Boarding School Period: destroyed family system
beatings, rape, prohibition of Native language and religion;
Lasting Effect: ill-prepared for parenting, identity confusion
Forced Relocation and Termination Period: transfer to urban areas,
prohibition of religious freedom
racism/viewed as second class; loss of governmental system and community
Coping Strategies
Psychological: depression, suicide 2x national rate
Behavioral: alcohol 5.5x national rate
Medical: heart disease 2x national rate
Internalized Oppression: accepting the oppressor's definition of you
Lateral Oppression: expressing frustration and anger at those you love or your
own community
3 Major Hypotheses:
1. Education increases awareness of trauma (I'm not crazy; other people feel
this way too)
2. Sharing effects of trauma provides relief: testimony, literature
3. Grief resolution through collective mourning/healing creates
positive group identity and commitment to community
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