Written by: Abbey Moore Second-year Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour
Edited by: Korrenne Jensen, RP, M.A.C.P.
***Author note: The writer is an Indigenous person and is part of the Six Nations & Upper Cayuga Tribe***
Intergenerational trauma is a profound and enduring phenomenon stemming from
historical injustices that resonate across generations. Subsequent generations of an individual’s
family, community, and culture are deeply affected by previous unresolved trauma (Cowan,
2020). In the Canadian context, the traumatic legacy of residential schools casts a shadow
on the well-being of Indigenous communities. These schools subjected generations of Indigenous children to cultural loss, physical abuse, and emotional trauma, resulting in mental health challenges in a complex web of emotional distress for many Indigenous survivors.
The transmission of trauma from one generation to the next, increases the vulnerability of future family members, creating a persistent cycle of psychological adversity. There is an urgent need for culturally sensitive interventions, therapeutic support, and community driven initiatives in fostering healing and resilience. Addressing the impact on mental health involves acknowledging the historical injustices and creating an environment that will nurture the holistic well-being of Indigenous individuals and communities.
Recognizing the sensitivity is important in discussing these deeply personal and painful experiences. It is crucial to take note that not all Indigenous experiences are the same and cannot be generalized.
Historical Context
Indigenous peoples have experienced a great deal of trauma throughout history. As
European culture entered Canada, they have faced physical appropriation of land, elimination of their cultural identity, traditional skills, and emotional connections to the land (Matheson et al.,2022). In 1883, residential schools were established with the purpose of assimilating Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. Operating well into the 20th century, these schools were often run by religious organizations and the Canadian government (Matheson et al., 2022). By the 1930s, roughly 75% of First Nations children had attended residential schools (Cowan, 2020).
Children were forcibly separated from their families, stripped of their cultural practices,and subjected to harsh conditions. That trauma inflicted in the residential (or day school) system, ranged from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse to cultural suppression. Children were forbidden to speak their native languages, practice traditional customs, or maintain connections with their families (Bombay et al., 2009).
The school system left survivors without an identity, and with poor education, social skills and emotional scars that echo through generations for decades to follow. Understanding the devastating events in residential schools is critical, as it not only acknowledges the historical trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples but also serves as a vital foundation for fostering empathy, healing, and a commitment to breaking the intergenerational cycle of trauma.
Understanding Intergenerational Trauma
Majority of research shows that intergenerational trauma resonates in the further
Indigenous generations. The experiences of residential schools can lead survivors to have poor
family dynamics and coping mechanisms. Future generations have been impacted in their
physical health, intimacy, parenting, and overall quality of life – stripping them of hope for the
future. The transmission of trauma often occurs through family life, influencing parenting styles,
communication patterns and emotional expression.
Survivors tend to remain silent and avoid facing their feelings of shame and isolation leading them to develop damaging coping mechanisms (Cowan, 2020). Following generations adopt these coping mechanisms which become engrained in family dynamics, creating cycles of dysfunction. Understanding the ways in which trauma is passed down through familial lines is crucial, as it informs the therapeutic approaches aimed at breaking the cycle.
The generational curse can often be seen as avoidance or flight behaviour, if we do not know how to face something with our functional adult parts of self then we will depend of the adaptive child parts to help us survive. Flight (as in fight or flight) is where all addictive behaviours and other avoidance can hide to help us survive, however not thrive. Understanding that the role of the cycle breaker is to be willing to not avoid and face the pain in a different way for the sake of themselves and their loved ones.
Impacts on Parenting Dynamics
The repercussions of the trauma faced in residential schools can be seen in parenting
dynamics. Parents, shaped by the traumas they endured, may face challenges in providing a
secure and nurturing environment for their children. When parents encounter traumatic
experiences, their parenting abilities may be undermined (Matheson et al., 2022). Children who experience poor parenting may then model behaviours based on experiences.
Studies show that 30% of children whose parents were maltreated will also receive child maltreatment (Matheson et al., 2022). Survivors of residential schools experienced poor and often abusive treatment from their authorities, therefore they never learned proper parenting styles. Breaking the cycle involves fostering supportive interventions that empower parents to heal and create resilient family structures.
Editors note: It is not your fault if you were conditioned into a cycle, and as a parent with love there child it might be your desire to take responsibility to break the cycle and offer better to your children than you received. Holding aspects gently with both hands can be useful, "on one hand, my parents did the best with what was given to them and on the other hand I had needs that did not get met that I now am capable and willing to meet myself."
Impacts on Intimacy
The ruptured bonds and cultural disconnection experienced by earlier generations cast
shadows on interpersonal relationships, impacting the very fabric of intimacy. Having endured
emotional and physical violations, they may grapple with trust issues and difficulty in forming
deep emotional connections (Cowan, 2020). The exposure to violence used in residential schools to reinforce assimilation has been passed down (Cowan, 2020) – thus, a large amount of intimate partner violence can be found among future generations of survivors.
The violence also stems indirectly from social issues such as economic disparities, mental health, and substance abuse (Cowan, 2020). The intergenerational transmission of trauma from residential schools not only impacts intimacy but also contributes to a cycle of intimate partner violence, underlining the urgency of addressing both the direct and societal factors at play.
Editors Note: If you were not familiar there are different types of therapy and not all are framed around talking about traumas endured. Aspects of IFS (internal family systems) and EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing) can help in the process of desensitizing trauma to be able to integrate it into our systems in a more conducive way.
Impacts on Mental Health and Well-Being
Due to the ignorance of trauma caused by residential schools, survivors developed many
mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Bombayet al., 2009). Coping mechanisms developed as survival strategies in the face of the systemic abuse for survivors to avoid acknowledging their trauma. This includes substance abuse, self-harm, criminal activity, and domestic violence against partners and children (Cowan, 2020). Succeeding generations will imitate these avoidant strategies and develop mental health challenges through their poor environment and genetics.
One of the most alarming statistics is the fact that Indigenous peoples, especially youth, die by suicide six times more than those that are non-Indigenous (Kumar, & Tjepkema, 2019). A cascade of mental health challenges and detrimental coping mechanisms have unfolded across generations, underscoring the urgent need or comprehensive awareness, intervention, and support to break the cycle of suffering within Indigenous communities.
Healing and Breaking the Cycle
Navigating the path toward healing from intergenerational trauma, especially originating
from the haunting legacy of residential schools is a multifaceted endeavour. Breaking the cycle
requires not just addressing the wounds of the past but also nurturing a vision for the future
anchored in strength and cultural renewal. It is important to implement culturally relevant strategies that emphasize reconnecting with traditional practices, languages, and customs (Cowan, 2020). This process not only restores a sense of identity, but also serves as a source of strength and resilience.
When survivors are able to express collective solidarity and cooperatively draw on social support resources, resilience is fostered (Matheson et al., 2022). Intergenerational resilience can be derived by being surrounded by social, emotional, and spiritual support to provide a foundation for identity and a sense of belonging (Cowan, 2020). Education and awareness initiatives contribute to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health within Indigenous communities, creating an environment that encourages open dialogue and understanding.
Strengthening cultural identity by encouraging community integration and incorporating traditional healing practices in psychotherapy can enhance and improve mental health (Marsh et al., 2016). Using Indigenous healing practices along with western treatment encourages holistic healing. The commitment to breaking the cycle is a commitment to rewriting the narrative and creating a legacy of strength to live on in the future generations.
Breaking the cycle is a crucial first step towards increasing well-being of oneself and
succeeding generations. The trauma endured in residential schools has deeply impacted
Indigenous familial lines for generations and will continue until we can help restore some of
what was taken from survivors and their families. Through holistic traditional healing practices,
Indigenous communities can rediscover their identities and foster better family dynamics and
coping mechanisms.
Making the decision to change without blame can be challenging, but no
more challenging than living in a cycle you don’t belong in. Encouraging open dialogue,
understanding, and unwavering support is pivotal in fostering a compassionate space for
individuals and communities affected by intergenerational trauma. Through sincere
conversations and empathetic connections, we can dismantle stigma, cultivate a culture of shared understanding, and collectively work towards healing and resilience.
Cycle Breaking:
Editors Note: If you have taken on the task of healing from generational trauma one thing I will ask of you is finding ways to work through and feel your anger. Anger is a normal part of the healing process and is not a bad thing. Anger gets confused with aggression sometimes and feeling anger for the victimization of yourself and people you love is normal process.
Ways to feel and process anger from a therapist:
Write it out and tear it up or burn it
Hitting a pillow and moving your body as it feels fit
Talk to a supportive person you can compassionately listen
Know that you are not your anger or your trauma
Believe that healing is possible, it might take exploration and mindset shift
You deserve healing for yourself, your community & your loved ones. Take breaks, but don't give up!
References
Bombay, A., Matheson, K., & Anisman, H. (2009). Intergenerational trauma: Convergence of multiple processes among First Nations peoples in Canada. International Journal ofIndigenous Health, 5(3), 6-47
Cowan, K. (2020). How Residential Schools led to Intergenerational Trauma in the Canadian
Indigenous Population to Influence Parenting Styles and Family Structures over
Generations. Canadian Journal of Family and Youth / Le Journal Canadien de Famille et
de La Jeunesse, 12(2), 26–35. https://doi.org/10.29173/cjfy29511
Kumar, M. B., & Tjepkema, M. (2019). Suicide among First Nations people, Métis and Inuit (2011-2016): Findings from the 2011 Canadian census health and environment cohort
(CanCHEC).
Marsh, T. N., Cote-Meek, S., Young, N. L., Najavits, L. M., & Toulouse, P. (2016). Indigenous Healing and Seeking Safety: A Blended Implementation Project for Intergenerational
Trauma and Substance Use Disorders. International Indigenous Policy Journal, 7(2).
Matheson, K., Seymour, A., Landry, J., Ventura, K., Arsenault, E., & Anisman, H. (2022).
Canada’s Colonial Genocide of Indigenous Peoples: A Review of the Psychosocial and
Neurobiological Processes Linking Trauma and Intergenerational
Outcomes. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(11),
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