We Are Not Broken

Generational Trauma: The Enduring Legacy of Broken Trust in Native American Communities

Generational trauma, the insidious inheritance of suffering across generations, casts a long shadow over communities worldwide. For Native American populations, this burden is particularly heavy, rooted in a history of broken trust and government actions that systematically decimated their cultures and populations. The echoes of these historical injustices reverberate through contemporary Native American life, manifesting in alarmingly high rates of abuse, domestic violence, poverty, and unequal access to essential resources. This essay will explore the profound connection between historical trauma and these present-day challenges, delve into the systemic issues that perpetuate this cycle, and ultimately propose pathways toward healing and justice.

The foundation of this intergenerational suffering lies in the long and devastating history of colonization and oppression. Treaties, solemnly made, were routinely broken as the relentless westward expansion of the United States government prioritized land acquisition over the sovereignty and well-being of Indigenous peoples. Forced removal from ancestral lands, exemplified by the Trail of Tears, not only caused immense physical suffering and loss of life but also severed deep spiritual and cultural ties. The establishment of boarding schools, often run by religious institutions with government support, aimed at the forced assimilation of Native American children. These institutions systematically stripped children of their languages, traditions, and identities, inflicting profound emotional distress. Tragically, instances of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and even death were frequent within these institutions. Beyond the direct abuse, the very structure of Indigenous families and traditional parenting practices was deliberately destroyed. The government understood that to break the spirit of a people, they had to break their families, severing the crucial bonds of kinship and cultural transmission. This deliberate assault on culture and family structures created a profound rupture, shattering the very fabric of Native American societies and laying the groundwork for enduring trauma.

The consequences of this historical devastation are starkly evident in the social and economic disparities that persist today. The trauma inflicted across generations has contributed to cycles of poverty, substance abuse, and mental health challenges. The erosion of traditional social structures and parenting practices, coupled with the pervasive effects of discrimination and marginalization, has created environments where abuse and domestic violence are tragically prevalent. Furthermore, unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage, making it difficult for individuals and communities to heal and thrive. The historical dispossession of land and resources continues to impact economic self-sufficiency and limits opportunities for advancement.

Adding to this burden is a deeply ingrained systemic issue: a tradition of ignoring or minimizing crimes, particularly those involving violence against women and children, within Native American communities. This lack of accountability and protection stems from a complex interplay of factors, including jurisdictional complexities, inadequate law enforcement resources on reservations, and the historical undervaluing of Indigenous lives. The absence of justice not only fails to protect victims but also further compounds the trauma experienced by individuals and communities, sending a message that their suffering does not matter. This systemic neglect creates an environment where cycles of violence can continue unchecked, perpetuating the intergenerational transmission of trauma.

Breaking this cycle of generational trauma requires a multifaceted approach centered on healing, justice, and systemic change. Culturally specific, trauma-informed care is essential, recognizing the unique historical and cultural context of Native American experiences. Increased funding and resources must be directed toward mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and domestic violence prevention programs that are culturally relevant and accessible within Native communities. Community-based interventions that empower individuals and families to heal collectively, drawing upon traditional practices and knowledge, hold immense promise. Furthermore, addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate injustice is paramount. This includes strengthening tribal sovereignty and law enforcement capabilities, ensuring accountability for crimes committed against Native Americans, and increasing resources for victim services. Policies that support education, economic empowerment, and the revitalization of Native languages and cultures are crucial for fostering resilience and creating pathways toward a brighter future.

The journey toward healing from generational trauma is a long and challenging one, but it is a journey that must be undertaken with unwavering commitment and respect. By acknowledging the historical injustices, understanding their enduring impact, and working collaboratively with Native American communities to implement meaningful solutions, we can begin to dismantle the legacy of broken trust and foster a future where healing, justice, and self-determination prevail.

Here is a relevant resource that discusses the impact of historical trauma on Native American communities: Strategies for Healing Native American Mental Health

Academic References on Generational Trauma and Native Americans:

• Brave Heart, M. Y. H. (1998). The return to the sacred path: Healing the historical trauma and historical unresolved grief response among the Lakota. American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research, 8(2), 1-23. This article is a foundational piece that specifically examines historical trauma and unresolved grief within the Lakota tribe, offering a culturally grounded perspective.
• Duran, E., & Duran, B. (2019). Native American Postcolonial Psychology (2nd ed.). State University of New York Press. This book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the psychological impacts of colonization on Native American communities, including the concept of historical trauma.
• Gone, J. P. (2013). Mental health services for Native Americans in the 21st century: Persistent challenges and emerging possibilities. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 44(6), 406–415. While focusing on mental health services, this article contextualizes the ongoing need within the framework of historical and generational trauma.
• Whitbeck, L. B., Adams, G. W., Hoyt, D. R., & Chen, X. (2004). Victimization and substance use among American Indian adolescents: Testing structural equation models of historical trauma. Journal of Community Psychology, 32(6), 657-677. This study empirically links historical trauma to contemporary issues like substance use among Native American youth.
• Sotero, M. M. (2006). A conceptual model of historical trauma: Implications for public health practice and research. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 1(1), 93-108. This article offers a broader conceptualization of historical trauma and discusses its implications for public health within Native American communities.
• Yellow Horse Brave Heart-Jordan, M. (2003). The historical trauma response among Native Americans: A theoretical framework. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 8(1), 1-16. This article further develops the theoretical understanding of the historical trauma response and its unique manifestations in Native American populations.
• Evans-Campbell, T. (2008). Historical trauma in American Indian/Native Alaskan communities: A literature review and discussion of implications. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 23(3), 316-338. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on historical trauma in Native communities and discusses its wide-ranging implications.
• Walls, M. L., & Whitbeck, L. B. (2012). Family, peers, and historical trauma among Northern Plains American Indian adolescents. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 22(3), 517-531. This research examines the role of family and peers in mediating the effects of historical trauma on adolescent well-being.
• Mohatt, G. V., Fok, C. C. T., Burket, T. R., & Henry, D. (2014). Historical trauma as a public health issue for American Indians and Alaska Natives. American Journal of Public Health, 104(S3), S191-S196. This article frames historical trauma as a significant public health concern requiring specific interventions and approaches.
• Gone, J. P., & Alcantara, C. (2007). American Indian mental health: Cultural perspectives on theory, diagnosis, and treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 75(6), 876–883. This article provides crucial cultural context for understanding mental health within Native American communities, directly relevant to the impact of historical trauma.

Connecting Generational Trauma to Contemporary Social Issues:

Many of the articles above inherently connect historical trauma to present-day issues. Here are a few that explicitly address specific social challenges:

• Whitbeck, L. B., Hoyt, D. R., Stubben, J. D., & LaFromboise, T. (2001). Traditional culture and academic success among Native American children. Journal of Educational Psychology, 93(4), 727–734. This study links cultural disconnection (often a result of historical trauma) to educational outcomes.
• Beals, J., Manson, S. M., Whitesell, R. W., Mitchell, C. M., Spicer, P., & the AI-SUPERPFP Team. (2003). Prevalence of DSM-III-R axis I disorders among American Indian adolescents: The Great Smoky Mountain Study. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(8), 914–921. While focused on mental health disorders, this research highlights the high prevalence rates that are often linked to historical and ongoing trauma.
• Walker, R. D., Lambert, M. T., Walker, A. L., &化险为夷 (2015). Historical trauma and substance abuse among American Indian/Alaska Natives: Review of the literature. Journal of Indigenous Wellbeing, 1(1), 1-18. This review specifically examines the relationship between historical trauma and substance use in Native communities.
• ** исчезновение и убийства коренных женщин и девочек (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls – MMIWG) Research:** While often found in reports and advocacy literature, academic work is increasingly focusing on the historical roots of violence against Indigenous women, connecting it to colonization and ongoing systemic issues. Search academic databases using keywords like “MMIWG,” “Indigenous women violence,” and “historical trauma gender.”

Where to Find These Resources:

• University Libraries: Most university libraries offer access to academic databases such as JSTOR, PsycINFO, Project MUSE, and others where you can search for these articles and many more.
• Academic Search Engines: Google Scholar is a good starting point for finding academic articles.
• Journal Websites: You can often find articles directly on the websites of the journals listed above (e.g., American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research, Journal of Community Psychology).

This list provides a solid foundation for understanding the academic literature on generational trauma and its impact on contemporary social issues within Native American communities. Remember to explore these resources further to delve deeper into specific areas of interest.