Historical Trauma Among Indigenous Peoples of the Americas: Concepts, Research, and Clinical Considerations

Abstract

Indigenous Peoples of the Americas have experienced devastating collective, intergenerational massive group trauma and compounding discrimination, racism, and oppression. There is increasing evidence of emotional responses to collective trauma and losses among Indigenous Peoples, which may help to inform ways of alleviating psychological suffering and unresolved grief. Tribal cultural and regional differences exist which may impact how the wounding across generations and within an individual's lifespan are experienced and addressed. This article will review the conceptual framework of historical trauma, current efforts to measure the impact of historical trauma upon emotional distress, and research as well as clinical innovations aimed at addressing historical trauma among American Indians/Alaska Natives and other Indigenous Peoples of the Americas. We will discuss assessment of historical trauma and implications for research and clinical as well as community interventions, and conclude with recommendations.

Keywords:

• American Indians
• grief
• historical trauma
• Indigenous Peoples
• mental health

Notes

1. Indigenous Peoples is the term endorsed by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. For the purposes of this article, the term Indigenous Peoples of the Americas refers to the original inhabitants of the land area now known as the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, Central, and South America, and their descendants. American Indians and Alaska Natives are included in this larger collective terminology when used.

2. American Indian and Alaska Native are the only terms officially endorsed by the National Congress of American Indians and the National Tribal Chairman's Association.