Abstract
Indigenous populations have experienced devastating collective and massive group trauma, compounding discrimination, racism, and oppression as a result of colonization. Scholars argue that the colonization experience of Native Americans creates a traumatic “soul wound” (Duran, 2006), which reaches the deepest core of their people. Further, studies prove that many Native American people continue to endure the effects of colonization as a spiritual injury, which impacts Native American communities and contributes to rising indigenous generations who are living out the trauma histories of their ancestors. While recent emerging research examines the general phenomenon of historical trauma and the potential for narrative as a healing framework, Native American youth’s experiences of intergenerational trauma are lacking from these studies. The purpose of this study was to explore Native American wellness and healing practices that specifically address the transmission and impacts of historical trauma on Native American youth in Northern California. This study gathered direct accounts from five Native American leaders in their respective communities. This study had a number of findings. First, the leaders discussed that historical trauma is being experienced among Native American people and passed down through generations. Second, the manifestation of historical trauma is apparent in familial, social, and health disparities (e.g., domestic violence, substance abuse, teen suicide). Third, historical trauma (which was also referred to as intergenerational trauma) in the data is difficult to talk about and process for certain groups of Native Americans. Fourth, youth are responsible for more than their non-Native counterparts and are resilient (e.g., learning and participating in ceremonies, valuing collectivism). Fifth, wellness is defined and achieved by a harmonious balance between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. And, sixth, there is still a lot of work to be done to address the manifestation of intergenerational trauma among youth populations, and to improve youth programming that fosters a sense of belonging. Very significantly, the study reinforced the need for confidentiality about specific healing practices, rituals, and ceremonies as means to preserve and reclaim their significance in light of colonial legacies.