Educators play a critical role in addressing the impacts of trauma in Native American communities. By fostering an understanding of both the historical and contemporary issues, and promoting culturally relevant practices, educators can contribute to the healing and empowerment for Native students while also building empathy amongst their peers.  Understanding the impacts of historic and contemporary trauma in Native American communities requires a safe learning environment for all students, especially Native students.  By creating an inclusive, respectful, and sensitive learning space, students will have the support they need to learn about complex and painful histories that continue to affect Native communities today. Approaching these lessons with cultural humility, trauma-informed strategies, and an awareness of students’ diverse experiences and identities will support a meaningful experience.

Teaching about trauma, especially trauma experienced by historically and contemporary oppressed communities, can potentially trigger emotional responses in students. Trauma may be personal, intergenerational, or entirely unrecognized by students themselves. It’s critical to avoid assumptions about who is affected and to create a classroom environment grounded in safety, choice, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. This includes offering support, providing opt-in or opt-out opportunities during sensitive discussions, and encouraging multiple modes of expression such as private reflection, anonymous responses, or creative work. Ensure students know they are not expected to speak from personal or cultural experience and avoid putting Native students in a position where they feel singled out or expected to "represent" their culture.

Native American communities have endured centuries of trauma stemming from colonization, displacement, and systemic oppression. The arrival of European settlers led to the loss of land, lives, languages, and cultural identity. Government-led genocide and assimilation efforts, such as the Indian Residential Schools, inflicted emotional, physical, and cultural harm.  These traumas are held within these populations and continue across generations. These experiences contribute to what is known as intergenerational trauma, where the effects of historical violence and oppression manifest in present-day struggles with mental health, community cohesion, and identity.

While truth telling about colonial history and impact to Native communities is necessary, Native people are not defined by trauma alone. Indigenous peoples have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and leadership. Cultural revitalization efforts such as language preservation, traditional healing, and the resurgence of Indigenous governance and art are powerful examples of resistance and strength. Recognizing this resilience will balance the learning experience and empower students.

Educators have a responsibility to include Native voices and perspectives meaningfully and accurately. These lessons model incorporating Indigenous histories and experiences and acknowledging their contemporary presence and contributions. When possible, utilize Indigenous-created content (videos, literature, artwork) and consult local tribal resources or community members. Provide context for students unfamiliar with these histories and avoid generalizing across the many distinct Native nations. 

Here is a video series by Redbud Resource group to help build professional capacity in serving and teaching about Native American Students: Video Series, Seeing Our Native Students | Redbud

Familiarize yourself with the following vocabulary:

Colonization: The arrival of European settlers led to the displacement, violence, and cultural erasure of Native Americans. Treaties were often broken, leading to loss of land, resources, and sovereignty.

Forced Assimilation: Policies such as the Indian Residential Schools aimed to assimilate Native children into Euro-American culture, resulting in loss of language, culture, and identity. These schools inflicted emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, leaving long-lasting scars on communities.

Intergenerational Trauma: The effects of historical trauma can be passed down through generations, impacting mental health, family dynamics, and community cohesion. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and PTSD.

Socioeconomic Challenges: Many Native communities face high rates of poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to healthcare and education, which exacerbate the effects of trauma.

Cultural Resilience and Cultural Revitalization: Many Native communities are actively working to revive languages, traditions, and cultural practices, which can be a source of strength and resilience.

Community Healing Initiatives: Programs focused on mental health, traditional healing practices, and community bonding can help address trauma and foster healing. 

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Understanding the historical and contemporary context of Native American experiences is crucial for creating a supportive learning environment. Incorporating Native perspectives, histories, and contributions into the curriculum can help validate students' identities.