The health and wellbeing of Indigenous people is impacted upon by past and ongoing trauma. These problems need to be addressed directly, rather than society continuing to manage symptoms.
The core experiences of trauma are disempowerment and disconnection from others. Healing is therefore based on empowerment and the creation of new connections. Society must create safe environments in which healing can occur.
5. Role Models & Healing Stories
People who have overcome adversity, such as trauma, addiction and mental health problems, are role models. They and their Stories provide hope that healing is possible and help people understand the nature of their problem and how it can be overcome.
People in the early stages of their healing identify with, trust and are inspired by the experiences of someone who is further along in their journey. Who better to help us then someone who has been there?
6. The Healing Ritual of Storytelling
Storytelling is a healing ritual amongst Indigenous people. In a culturally safe environment (e.g. healing circle), Indigenous people can share experiences by telling their Story (which is often a trauma Story), help each other come to terms with the emotional pain caused by what has happened to them in their past, and make sense of their personal story in relationship to the collective, communal Story.