The workshop applies a unique, interdisciplinary process to focus on learning about intergenerational, historical trauma that has affected all people through the process of colonization, oppression, and privilege. Through community participation, ritual, meditation, movement, creative expression, nourishing food and water we explore a process of decolonizing our bodies and spirits. We intend to expand this program to groups of inter-tribal youth, elders, and community members.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations are facing historical and intergenerational trauma resulting from oppressive policies in the United States. Legacies of forced boarding school attendance, genocide, and cultural, linguistic, and religious assimilation have perpetuated the process of colonization throughout multiple generations. The pain of this ongoing colonization resides in internal and external crises of identity, health, and cultural and environmental awareness.
In the introductory sessions of this project, participants appreciated our interdisciplinary approach to raise their awareness about intergenerational historical trauma. The feedback has focused on the project's intersection of physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual methodology to create feelings of trust, community and healing. One participant said, "I loved the sense of community and how our ideas and movements transformed into a sense of harmony and togetherness."
This project begins a dialogue about ongoing internalized oppression resulting from legacies of colonization and historical trauma. Internalized oppression results in unhealthy feelings, such as, aggression, hopelessness, self-blame, loss of cultural identity, and addiction. With secured funding, we will expand our outreach to include Native youth, women survivors of violence, and mental health programs. The long-term effects of awareness and healing will expand exponentially.
