Inter-Generational Historical Trauma

Past is PresentBy

Lucy Apatiki

Definitions

Historical Trauma

Inter-generational Trauma

Alaska Indigenous History Alaska’s Acquisition from Russia Introduction of Diseases Colonization/Assimilation Process Boarding School Era Statehood Civil Rights Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) ANCSA Marine Mammal Protection Act

Mistreatment and Damages Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Emotional and Psychological Abuse Loss of Identity Loss of Language and Culture Loss of Parental Role Models Loss of Hope Loss of Connection

Survivor Psyche Surrendering of Independence Discarding Old Cultures Compliant Complacent “Humble” Guilty Fatalistic Followers

Napoleon

Result: Atypical Behavior Rise in Alcoholism Rise in Suicides Rise in Violent

Crimes Rise in Accidental

Death Rise in Criminal

Behavior

Contemporary Analysis“…it is important that we try to understand the root causes of this epidemic of self-destruction…the most vulnerable members of this generation have been caught up in the eye of spiritual, social, cultural, and economic storm that was set in motion by historical forces and governmental policies of the last century…the seeds of shame and guilt were sown in the hearts of Alaska Natives during, and after, the devastating epidemics…by the Rev. Sheldon Jackson and his army of federally financed missionary-school teachers while “civilizing” and “converting” vulnerable and disoriented Alaska Native survivors. ...Those seeds have come to full bloom in the hearts of their grandchildren and great grandchildren.”

Napoleon, ADN, 2014

Who Can Be Held Accountable?“There is no singular villain in the story of the long-term and concerted assault on Alaska Native cultures, nor is the story unique in the world. But it is one that must be told and understood. As Ann Fienup-Riordan asserts: “The ongoing impact of epidemics and other traumatic disruption of Alaska Native peoples should be kept firmly in mind in future discussions of issues of personal identity among Alaska Natives.”

Alaska Native Commission, 1992

ACES

ACE Study 10 Adverse Childhood Experiences Major Findings ACE Score Health Problems Genetic Influence ACE Cycle

CDC.gov.ACES

COMPARISON

Historical Trauma Unsettled Emotional

Trauma High Mortality Rate High Rate of Alcohol Abuse Significant Problems of

Child Abuse Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Suicide

ACE Health Problem

Depression Fetal Death Alcoholism/Alcohol Abuse Illicit Drug Use Risk for Intimate Partner

Violence Unintended Pregnancies Suicide Attempts

Is There a Link?There are marked similarities between the two: Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse Depression Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence Sexual Assault High Mortality Rate Fetal Death Multiple Sexual Partners Suicide

Raising AwarenessWhat can be done with this knowledge?

We can no longer afford to ignore it, the cost is too high. Begin using ACE score? Skilled Dialogue Bring Hope for a better tomorrow New ideas/culture

Skilled Dialogue Respectful to both native and non-native alike New level of Awareness Three Main Components:

1) Respect

2) Reciprocity

3) Responsiveness

Element of native values that are very positive and encouraging.

Two Skills Needed Anchored Understanding of Diversity

This skill generates compassionate knowledge that evolves from active and intentional, face-to-face engagement with those from whom one differs. Third Space

When people anchor their understanding of differences, both experientially and cognitively, they move from an “either-or” frame to a mindset that is able to hold two different perspectives simultaneously.

Barrera, 2003

New Culture?This approach is promising and can be effective if embraced by those willing to be a part of this new way of thinking. As Rural Providers are agreeable to stepping out of the box and trying something new, then there is hope in making a difference in the lives of those we attempt to serve.

Many innovative ideas are ready to birth from a concerted effort through this skilled dialogue and creation of a “third space”.

A Hope For A Better Tomorrow“The substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide epidemic took several generations to take root and bloom in the hearts of Alaska Native people, and in the end it is the Native people who will have to end it. Armed with the truth and love, guided by their new found faith also brought to them by the same missionaries who inadvertently planted the seeds of self-destruction in the hearts of their fathers, they will have to patiently love and forgive their way back to health again.”

napoleon

Thank You

ReferencesAboriginal Healing Foundation. (1999).

ACE’s. (2015). Overcoming ACE’s in Alaska

ADN. (2014). A people still in peril.

Alaska Native Commission. (1992).

Albert, R. (1992). Alaska Native Commission.

Archibald, L. (2006). Decolonization and healing

Barnhardt. (1985).

Barrera, I., Corso, R., & Mcpherson, D. (2003). Skilled dialogue.

Braveheart. (1999).

Braveheart. (2003). A lakota illustration.

CDC.gov. ACE’s.

Fortuine. (1989). Fever and chills.

Miller. (1995).

Napoleon, H. (2002). Yuuyaraq: the way of the human being. Alaska Native Knowledge Network.

The Alaska Mental Health Board/Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.