Unite Author: Jessie Ryker-Crawford, Ph.D. (White Earth Chippewa) Associate Professor of Museum Studies, Institute of American Indian Arts
Historical Trauma
Description
Historical Trauma, or HT, is the term used to describe multi-generational distress and dysfunctionality caused by traumatic historical events that disrupt the social, political, and psychological well-being of subsequent generations of family members.
This lesson plan explores the concept of HT and how the repatriation of the remains of ancestors and culturally significant community objects acts as a powerful HT healing tool for numerous generations within a tribal community.
Learning Goals
- To understand basic concepts of Historical Trauma (HT)
- To comprehend how repatriation and NAGPRA act as healing tools of HT
- To integrate NAGPRA compliance measures into healthy and celebratory modes of community collaboration
Terms and Concepts
- Communal Loss
- Cultural Identity
- Deculturalization
- Emotional Healing
- Historical/Intergenerational Trauma
- Transcending Historical Trauma
- Trauma Shame
Reading List
Brave Heart, Maria Yellow Horse (2003). The Historical Trauma response among Natives and Its relationship with substance abuse: A Lakota illustration. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 35:1, 7-13.
Wiessner, Siegried (1999). Rights and status of indigenous peoples: A global comparative and intergenerational legal analysis. Harvard Human Rights Journal, 12, 57-128.
Website: "Wisdom of the Elders: Transcending Historical Trauma"
Case Study: Interview with Laura Fragua Cota (Jemez Pueblo) on the Peabody Essex Museum/Pecos Repatriation [video]
Lecture: Jessie Ryker-Crawford. "Historical Trauma and Repatriation as a Counter-Narrative in Native American History" [video] [transcription]
Activity and Assessment Ideas
Fully explore the “Wisdom of the Elders” website on Historical Trauma; read the testimonials, view the interviews, and decide for yourself what project you are most comfortable with – writing down a story of your own and either sharing it with others, or simply burying it for no one else to see. Researching a traditional Native American story: describe the “trials” or “hardships” and explain how these were overcome, even if it is a story where Coyote shakes himself/herself off and walks on. Or even to write a paper on “finding a light;” coming up with an answer to a “darkness.” Each of these, are utilized in the process of repatriation. For we are making up this story as we go, all of us. We are, a part of the healing process.
- What are some of the Historical Trauma Responses (HTR) described – through first-person narratives – in this article? (These include both positive and negative responses)
- What are some of the indigenous-based HT treatments listed in this article?
- How do you perceive NAGPRA and the act of repatriation as a tool for HT treatment?
- The continuing demarcation of Brazilian Yanomami lands has brought about a drastic HT Response by Yanomami peoples. Please describe, through your own thoughts, how this turn of events could possibly be curtailed. Remember, there are always answers, and even the smallest of actions can result in renewed hope and courage.