In addition, the concept of Intergenerational Trauma has been brought forward: But still it doesn’t really address generational trauma and it doesn’t talk about massive group trauma. There are more theories that are starting to emerge, like complex trauma, which does deal with multiple traumas in one’s lifetime. “The theory of post traumatic stress disorder doesn’t capture not only chronic trauma in one’s lifetime, but trauma across generations. ” She describes why this definition is distinct from our current understandings of PTSD: Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart coined the term Historic Trauma as the “Cumulative emotional and psychological wounding over the lifespan and across generations, emanating from massive group trauma. lack of control over land and resources.loss of togetherness and collective support.loss of connectedness with languages, traditions and cultural history.These policies have had wide-ranging effects on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of individuals their families, and their communities. This destruction of structures and practices that allowed groups to thrive and continue as Nations, is cultural genocide and has resulted in damage to political and social norms among the Indigenous populations. In the creation of the residential and day schools, culture, language, family ties, and community networks were destroyed for generations of Indigenous children. Forced sterilization was done in an attempt to eliminate Indigenous bloodlines.Imposed salvation was imposed to abolish the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Indigenous peoples.Intentional starvation was used as a way to contain and control Indigenous peoples.Removal of Indigenous peoples from their traditional lands.Canada’s unique history of colonization includes: Since first negotiating the Treaties, including Treaties 1 and 2, Canada has violated the spirit and intent of these documents, the cumulative impact of which has created the current marginalization and dispossession of Indigenous peoples.

For more than 500 years in the Americas, colonial systems have been violently enforced and have negatively affected Indigenous peoples in profound ways, resulting in vast inequities.

Treating intergenerational trauma