Echoes of historical trauma: Effects of centuries of loss can hamper recovery from violence

[redqueen]

People who want to help American Indian victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and other crimes need to understand the deep, lingering effects of “historical trauma” suffered by Indians generally, a victim advocate from the Spirit Lake Nation told participants in a conference in Grand Forks on Wednesday.

Linda Thompson, executive director of First Nations Women’s Alliance and a former director of the victim assistance program at Spirit Lake, said centuries of loss, discrimination and subjugation have had a lasting psychological impact that can work against recovery.

The loss of identity, homelands, culture and belief systems, coupled with the introduction of alcoholism and diseases and the loss of children sent off for years to boarding schools generations ago — all had devastating effects that continue today, she said.

Thompson spoke to therapists, teachers, nurses, victim’s advocates and others, Indian and non-Indian, at a two-day conference on the effects of trauma and violence on Lakota Indians.

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http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/263165/

[ismnotwasm]

1. This is very good

My son's Biological grandmother suffered immensely from this, and her children suffered from her psychological damage. I don't think it can ever be over stressed how much damaged was caused, or how hard Native Americans have fought to maintain autonomy.