Trauma Informed Practice for Indigenous Peoples

Abstract

The overall purpose of this learning module is to increase awareness about trauma informed practice when caring for Indigenous Peoples. Trauma informed practice is based on the awareness of the negative impact of psychological trauma on a person’s health and well-being. This type of trauma occurs in both society and among individuals accessing the health and social care systems. It is important for health and social caregivers to be aware of the potential existent of psychological trauma when caring for individuals. Caregivers who are unaware of the sources of traumatization and its impact have the potential to retraumatize those in their care. This traumatization can affect the individual’s willingness to participate and engage with caregivers and the health and social care services. Trauma-informed care from an Indigenous perspective is a “strengths-based, person, family and community-centered approach which starts with an understanding of trauma, its prevalence among service users and its potential impacts on holistic health, behaviour and relationships” This module starts with a brief overview of the general principles of trauma informed care as this module has been created for both paid caregivers and unpaid caregivers (i.e., family, friends and volunteers) who may not be familiar with trauma informed practice. Many non-indigenous Canadians are unaware of the impact of Canadian policies and events on Indigenous’ health and well-being. A summary of Settler- Indigenous relationships and settler colonial policies in Canada is provided so non-Indigenous Canadians understand the impact of ongoing colonialism for Indigenous Peoples. Included are examples of Indigenous Peoples’ approaches to health and well-being which are important considerations for health care professionals. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, states that there is a need to “provide cultural competency training for all healthcare workers as one strategy to address the trauma caused by colonialism.” Included are examples of Indigenous Peoples approaches to health and well-being which are important considerations for health care workers when providing care that integrates Indigenous and western healing practices. The materials and resources provided reflect Indigenous resilience, resistance and healing, to minimize the risk of constructing Indigenous peoples solely through a deficit lens.