![]() In Indigenous science, “blood memory” is carried from generation to generation as an inheritance, which is passed down through psychological, spiritual, biological, and cultural processes – this memory can contain cultural knowledge as well as trauma (Methot, 2019). Trauma for Indigenous peoples is alive, complex, and entangled in a web of dysfunction and normalized behaviours. Indigenous peoples have a vast, complex and powerful legacy of trauma that has impacted us through generations and continues to manifest its effects. In his book, Healing Trauma, Levine draws on Buddhist and Taoist philosophies that describe trauma as one of four great portals of transformation – in addition to sex, meditation, and death (2005). Once metabolized and resolved, trauma that has been healed has the potential to support growth and positive change, which can be transmitted across generations (Menakem, 2015). Trauma is not a life sentence and can be healed, stated by trauma researcher, Dr. Trauma reorganizes the brain and how it manages perceptions and cognition by altering how we think, what we think about, and even the ability to think (Bessel van der Kolk, 2015). That trauma memory lives in the cells until we release it” (oral communication, October, 2020). Our brains can block out trauma and repress the memories - but our body, our organs and our skin hold the memory of that trauma. Recently I learned from a Nuu-chah-nulth Elder and medicine man, Dave Frank, who marveled at how our brains are intelligent by design, by stating “Our brains are so smart. These emotions permeated into my dream world and I experienced nightmares and disrupted sleep patterns. This has resulted in often feeling disregulated, depressed, defeated, exhausted, heavy and often uninspired. Throughout this transitional time in my life and academic process, I have been conflicted and confronted with the complexities of understanding ‘Indigenous trauma’ – which has reverberated my being. ![]() Additionally, my work with the First Nations Health Authority has brought forward additional experiences and vicarious trauma to simultaneously hold and unpack. I have been grappling with the literature and the synthesis of the material amidst my own reality and memories. The course readings focus on trauma science and theories, yogic philosophy, and Indigenous healing practices. One directed reading I designed, titled: Transforming trauma and building resiliency through yoga, meditation, and Indigenous ways of healing has provided several insights into healing trauma and taking are of oneself. My first year of doctoral coursework has presented a unique opportunity to design my curriculum – one that is grounded in community, culture, and language. Since August 2019 and my return to my traditional territory and village that has raised my mother, grandmother and extended maternal family, I have been entrenched in the rise and fall of healing trauma.
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