Healing the Wounds We Inherit: Understanding Intergenerational Trauma in Native American Communities

For generations, Native American communities have carried an invisible weight—not always spoken about but deeply felt. This legacy, known as intergenerational trauma—sometimes called historical or generational trauma—refers to psychological and emotional harm passed down from one generation to the next. Healing is not a linear journey—it’s a process of reclaiming identity, restoring balance, and reconnecting with community.