St. Catherine University SOPHIA Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers Holistic Health Studies 5-2018 American Indian Perspectives on Healing from Historical Trauma: An Indigenous Inquiry Renee Beaulieu-Banks St. Catherine University Kim Sundeen St. Catherine University Kyra Christopherson St. Catherine University Follow this and additional works at: https://sophia.stkate.edu/ma_hhs Part of the Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons Recommended Citation Beaulieu-Banks, Renee; Sundeen, Kim; and Christopherson, Kyra. (2018). American Indian Perspectives on Healing from Historical Trauma: An Indigenous Inquiry. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/ma_hhs/19 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Holistic Health Studies at SOPHIA. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies Research Papers by an authorized administrator of SOPHIA. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Running head: AMERICAN INDIAN PERSPECTIVES ON HEAL American Indian Perspectives on Healing from Historical Trauma: An Indigenous Inquiry Renee Beaulieu-Banks, Kim Sundeen, Kyra Christopherson St. Catherine University May 16, 2018 HEALING FROM HISTORICAL TRAUMA ii Acknowledgment We acknowledge our seven generations: our great grandparents, grandparents, parents, and our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We acknowledge the land of Minnesota, home of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), and Dakota (Sioux). We acknowledge the native creatures of this land, the prairie plains, and wooded forest. We acknowledge the lifegiving elements of air, earth, fire, and water, and see the pollution in our waterways like the toxins in our lungs. We can only rightfully acknowledge who has supported and informed this project, when we acknowledge those who have come before, and our children from whom we borrow the earth. Heartfelt miigwech to Wolverine and Char Leecy for Anishinaabe teachings and Anne Westfall for all the guidance during this work. We created this project in, for, and by the community, and we wish to acknowledge the tremendous support for pursuing the topic of healing from Historical Trauma. Thank you to all the contributors who were generous in their presence and sharing, how you walk in the world is an immeasurable contribution. Tony, thank you for being an incredible, willing facilitator to use your gifts and create a safe, intentional space. The idea and space for this project was created with the guidance of our ancestors, families and teachers. Specifically, our teacher Dr. Carol Geisler, Associate Professor at St. Catherine University was instrumental in the development and progression of this project--the gift of this research sequence has left lessons for a lifetime. Miigwech to Renee’s parents and grandparents who made sacrifices for the love of their family. To Greg Banks, Renee’s husband who generously supported our research with cooking meals, sharing their home, time, and patiently catering to our needs. To Deanna and Natchez Beaulieu, Renee’s daughters who gave their time, advice, and artwork for this work. Thank you to Kim’s family for your love and patience, to Kareem for your support throughout this work and life, and Emray and Mina for being my greatest teachers. To Kyra’s family: Mom and Papa, your strength and love is a testament to the unconditional love provided by your parents. Du bist mein Herz. In the arms and lineage of this family, I have grown up to pass on the teachings of love and peace. Thank you, Lucas for being the best partner and rock, for seeing me, and helping me expand my vision. To my sisters, without you, I would not know the importance and blessing that community can be--you continue to be my sweet honey in the rock. HEALING FROM HISTORICAL TRAUMA iii Dedication We dedicate this work to Dennis Banks, also known by his Anishinaabe/Spirit name Nowacumig. Dennis was born in Federal Dam on the Leech Lake Indian reservation in Northern Minnesota and was the co-founder of the American Indian Movement. Missed by many people, he began his journey to the Spirit world on October 29, 2017. He was a son, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, a relative and a good friend. HEALING FROM HISTORICAL TRAUMA 4 Table of Contents Acknowledgment ............................................................................................................................ ii Dedication ...................................................................................................................................... iii Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Literature Review.......................................................................................................................... 12 American Indian Historical Trauma ......................................................................................... 12 Evidence of Historical Trauma ................................................................................................. 14 Expansion of Contemporary Historical Trauma ....................................................................... 23 Invasion and Domination of Western Culture .......................................................................... 25 Healing from American Indian Perspective .............................................................................. 30 Summary and Research Question ............................................................................................. 37 Lenses ........................................................................................................................................... 39 Research Paradigm and Culture of Inquiry ............................................................................... 39 Theoretical Lenses .................................................................................................................... 42 Personal and Professional Lenses ............................................................................................. 46 Method .......................................................................................................................................... 60 Constructivist Paradigm ............................................................................................................ 60 Indigenous Research Paradigm ................................................................................................. 62 Indigenous Inquiry .................................................................................................................... 64 Talking Circle as Method.......................................................................................................... 65 A Call to Community – Sampling Procedures .......................................................................... 66 Sacred Tools - Instrumentation ................................................................................................. 69 Honoring the Stories - Data Collection ..................................................................................... 74 Teachings from the Stories – Data Analysis ............................................................................. 76 Integrity/Reliability and Honor/Validity................................................................................... 78 Protecting Collaborators – Ethical Considerations ................................................................... 81 Design Specific Strengths and Limitations ............................................................................... 83 Results ........................................................................................................................................... 87 HEALING FROM HISTORICAL TRAUMA 5 Description of Collaborators ..................................................................................................... 87 Observational Data.................................................................................................................... 88 Themes ...................................................................................................................................... 88 Discussion ................................................................................................................................... 103 Findings Supported by the Literature ..................................................................................... 103 Unexpected Findings .............................................................................................................. 108 Implications............................................................................................................................. 111 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 118 References ................................................................................................................................... 121 Appendices .................................................................................................................................. 138 Appendix A ............................................................................................................................