Dr Amy Bombay

Summary

The speaker discusses the concept of historical trauma, a term coined by Maria Yellow Horse Braveheart, which highlights the impact of colonization on the health and social disparities experienced by Aboriginal peoples. The speaker shares how learning about historical trauma helped them understand their own family’s struggles and fueled a desire to use research to challenge the assumption that Aboriginal peoples are inherently predisposed to negative outcomes. They emphasize the intergenerational effects of the Indian Residential School system, showing how descendants of those affected are at greater risk for poor health outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Historical trauma is a concept coined by Maria Yellow Horse Braveheart to explain the historical determinants of Aboriginal health.
• 😀 It highlights how current health and social disparities in Aboriginal communities are not caused by the people themselves but by colonization.
• 😀 The impact of historical trauma has intergenerational effects, meaning it affects not only the direct victims but also their descendants.
• 😀 The suffering of Aboriginal peoples from health and social issues can be traced back to the lasting impacts of colonization.
• 😀 Learning about historical trauma helped the speaker understand their family history and the struggles within their community.
• 😀 The speaker's personal journey involved seeking to prove that Aboriginal peoples are not predisposed to negative outcomes by nature.
• 😀 Research into historical trauma focuses on proving that the issues faced by Aboriginal peoples are rooted in historical experiences, not inherent traits.
• 😀 The Indian Residential School system is a key example of how historical trauma has been perpetuated across generations.
• 😀 Children and grandchildren of those who attended residential schools are more susceptible to negative health outcomes.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of research in demonstrating the intergenerational effects of historical trauma on Aboriginal communities.
• 😀 The ultimate goal of learning and addressing historical trauma is to challenge the stigma that Aboriginal peoples are to blame for their struggles.

Q & A

What is historical trauma and how is it related to Aboriginal health?

Historical trauma refers to the collective emotional and psychological injury sustained by a group as a result of past events, such as colonization. It is linked to Aboriginal health because the trauma experienced by previous generations has long-lasting effects, contributing to current health and social disparities.

Who coined the term 'historical trauma' and what was its primary focus?

The term 'historical trauma' was coined by Maria Yellow Horse Braveheart. Its primary focus is on understanding how historical events, particularly colonization, have long-term effects on the health and well-being of Aboriginal peoples.

How does the concept of historical trauma help explain the health and social issues facing Aboriginal communities?

The concept of historical trauma helps explain that the health and social disparities in Aboriginal communities are not a result of inherent traits or behaviors, but rather the consequence of colonization and the intergenerational impact it has had on families.

Why is it important to understand the concept of historical trauma when studying Aboriginal communities?

Understanding historical trauma is crucial because it shifts the focus from blaming individuals for their struggles to recognizing the broader societal and historical factors that have contributed to the challenges Aboriginal communities face today.

How does the experience of the Indian Residential School system tie into the concept of historical trauma?

The Indian Residential School system is a key example of historical trauma. The trauma experienced by children who were forced into these schools, and the subsequent effects on their descendants, contribute to the ongoing health and social challenges faced by Aboriginal communities.

What are the intergenerational effects of historical trauma, particularly in the context of the Indian Residential Schools?

The intergenerational effects include a higher risk of negative health outcomes for the children and grandchildren of those who attended Indian Residential Schools. This includes psychological issues, substance abuse, and chronic health conditions.

How does research challenge the idea that Aboriginal peoples are inherently predisposed to negative health outcomes?

Research shows that Aboriginal peoples are not inherently predisposed to poor health outcomes. Instead, these issues are largely the result of historical trauma and the systemic effects of colonization, which have led to social and health disparities.

What role does research play in understanding and addressing historical trauma?

Research plays a vital role by providing evidence that historical trauma has lasting effects and showing how these effects impact the health and well-being of Aboriginal communities. This research is essential for creating targeted interventions and healing strategies.

How can understanding historical trauma change the way society addresses the health and social issues of Aboriginal communities?

Understanding historical trauma can lead to more compassionate and effective approaches to healing. It encourages a shift from viewing Aboriginal communities as 'problematic' to recognizing the need for healing from historical wounds and systemic injustices.

What personal insights did the speaker gain from learning about historical trauma in relation to their own family history?

The speaker gained a deeper understanding of their family's struggles, recognizing that these challenges were not due to inherent weaknesses but were rooted in the intergenerational effects of colonization and the trauma experienced by previous generations.