“We’re Still in a Struggle”

Abstract

As part of a community/university collaborative effort to promote the mental health and well-being of Diné (Navajo) youth, we explored the relevance of addressing historical trauma and current structural stressors and of building on individual and community strengths through healing and social transformation at multiple levels. Qualitative analyses of 74 ethnographic interviews with 37 Diné youth, parents, and grandparents suggested that a focus on historical trauma as a conceptual frame for behavioral health inequities, understood within the context of resilience and survival, is appropriate. Our findings also highlight the salience of current stressors such as poverty and violence exposure. We explore the fit of a historical trauma healing framework and present implications for intervention and transformation through revitalization of traditional knowledge, culturally-based healing practices, intergenerational education, and social change strategies designed to eliminate social inequities.

Exploring pathways to trust: a tribal perspective on data sharing

“…8 These federal policies played a significant role in generating disparities in social determinants of health among AI/AN people. 9,10 Thus, current policies intended to promote a “partnership” ethic between tribal governments and researchers must be situated within the legal framework that protects the sovereign rights of tribal governments, and remains informed by the lived experiences of indigenous people, who have suffered from past injustices and the contemporary effects of those historic policies. 11 Prior to addressing questions of how tribal partners might benefit from participation in genomic research, or the implications for data control and ownership on the rights of sovereign nations, personal stories and perspectives were shared to provide all attendees with a baseline understanding of the enduring mistrust of research and federal agencies.…”

Examining the Theory of Historical Trauma Among Native Americans

“…Specifically, practitioners working with this population should have an understanding of how the historical losses suffered generations ago have resulted in historical loss symptoms being transferred to subsequent and current generations of Native Americans. The concept of historical trauma is "collective and multilayered rather than being solely centered on an individual" and this differs from a "typical Eurocentric perspective of illness and treatment, which tends to reduce suffering to discrete illnesses with individual causes and solutions" (Goodkind, Hess, Gorman, & Parker, 2012, p. 1021. Therefore, professional counselors should adapt evidencebased practices by applying tribal-specific healing strategies, community support, and approaches that incorporate validation of grief and loss associated with historical traumas (Brave Heart et al, 2011).…”

American Indian Elders’ resilience: Sources of strength for building a healthy future for youth

“…Existing studies have identified a current and growing disconnect between AI/AN/NH generations, prompting a movement among AI/AN/NH communities to reconnect elders with youth (Goodkind, Hess, Gorman, & Parker, 2012; Tyer, 2015; Wexler, 2011). Transmitting knowledge and life lessons intergenerationally may help youth overcome their own adversities (Wexler, 2011; Goodkind et al, 2012).…”

“…Transmitting knowledge and life lessons intergenerationally may help youth overcome their own adversities (Wexler, 2011; Goodkind et al, 2012). Cultural engagement, social support, and strong cultural identity have been identified as important protective strategies for AI/AN/NH youth development and resilience (EchoHawk, 1997; LaFromboise, Hoyt, Oliver, & Whitbeck, 2006; Wexler, 2014; Wexler, DiFluvio, & Burke, 2009).…”