Healing
Healing in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities often refers to the process of increasing resiliency, curing physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental trauma, and promoting well being and healthy living. Historical trauma, intergenerational historical trauma, soul wounds, and post-traumatic stress disorder negatively impact AIAN individuals, families, and communities. Part of the healing process is understanding the root causes of trauma. Often these impacts stem from the legacy of colonization.
Talking Circles, reframing of problems in terms of spirit, and reconnecting relationships to land are some of the ways AIAN communities are practicing healing. Building positive responses boosts individuals, families, and communities strength in the face of physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental trauma.
