Healing Historical Trauma: Beginning Together Activity
Total Time: Approx. 60 minutes
Context: Individuals
Strategy: Journal Writing
Individual participants examine the timelines of six of the many historical events that directly impacted First Nation, Métis and Inuit people in Canada and use journal writing to reflect on the impact of the events on First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.
Note: If the individual is new to First Nation, Métis and Inuit topics, it may be better to start at a different topic area and return later to Healing Historical Trauma.
Overview of Interactive
Historical events and interactions between First Nation, Métis, Inuit and the governments of the time have resulted in conflict and trauma that continue into the present. In this brief exploration we will look at six of the many significant events and policies, their multigenerational impacts, and how Inuit, Métis and First Nation people are moving forward toward healing.
In the scenario, two teachers discuss the legacy of residential schools and the impact of intergenerational trauma on First Nation, Métis and Inuit students. Factual information on six of the many historical events is presented in timelines, each with an historical overview:
Disease Epidemics (1450s to present)
Residential Schools (1870s to present)
Territorial Displacement (1700s to present)
Banning of Ceremonies (1884 to present)
Apprehension of Children (1500s to present)
Disregard for Patriotic Contributions (1530s to present)
Reflection Statement
How might historical trauma impact the students, families and communities where you teach?
Suggested Activity: Journal Writing
For information on journal writing, see Fact Sheet: Journal Writing 
. Individual teachers may want to use journal writing as a way to process the deep feelings that can surface as they work through this topic area. Journal writing may also help the individual teacher better understand the impact of historical trauma on local First Nation, Métis and Inuit students, their families and communities.
Because of the nature of the content in this section, individuals may find it challenging to navigate through the material. Sometimes the historical events are disturbing, but it is important to know the facts when it comes to the history of historical trauma on Inuit, Métis and First Nation people in Canada. Individuals are encouraged to view the interviews in the Respecting Wisdom section and the video in the Observing Practice section in order to see how others have chosen to respond to the historical trauma impacting Inuit, Métis and First Nation people in Canada.
