Historical Trauma and Cultural Healing

Abstract: “What is historical trauma? How do people and communities experience it? And how can reconnecting to cultural practices help families and communities heal? Genocide. Slavery. Forced relocation. Destruction of cultural practices. These experiences, shared by communities, can result in cumulative emotional and psychological wounds that are carried across generations. Researchers and practitioners call this concept historical trauma. The effects of the traumas inflicted on groups of people because of their race, creed, and ethnicity linger on the souls of their descendants. As a result, many people in these same communities experience higher rates of mental and physical illness, substance abuse, and erosion in families and community structures. The persistent cycle of trauma destroys family and communities and threatens the vibrancy of entire cultures. Historical trauma is not just about what happened in the past. It’s about what’s still happening.”