Culture: Addressing Intergenerational Trauma with Cultural Healing

Effects of Historical Trauma

Includes poor physical health, high rates of substance use disorders, PTSD, attachment disorders, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, loss of hope, and increased rate of suicide.

Mental Health Outcomes for Native Americans

Native children and adolescents have the highest rates of lifetime major depressive episodes, and in 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Native Americans aged 10 to 34.

Culture as a Protective Factor

Culture fosters resilience in Native American adolescents and is linked to higher self-esteem, greater educational attainment, better social functioning, and lower rates of delinquent behavior and mental health problems.

NADDAR

A culturally-based program that uses traditional practices to help reduce health disparities among urban American Indian and Alaska Native families.

NADDAR Outcomes

Includes increased coping skills, cultural and community connection, decreased depressive and stress symptoms, and reported zero use of tobacco, prescription drug abuse, and binge drinking.

Healing of the Canoe

A culturally grounded social skills intervention promoting cultural belonging and preventing substance abuse among tribal youth, using the Canoe Journey as a metaphor for life.

Outcomes of Healing of the Canoe

Increased hope, optimism, self-efficacy, cultural identity, and reduced substance use.

Storytelling in Health Promotion

Provides knowledge, connects past to present and future, promotes healing and resilience, using methodologies like talking circles, digital storytelling, and comic book storytelling.