The Resiliency Of a People: A Haudenosaunee Concept Of Helping

Abstract

<p>Thi paper explores th impact of traumatic experiences of colonialism, go emment policies genocide, racism discrimination, oppression, residential schools, etc. that have affected Aboriginal p oples lives for many generations. These traumas ha e compounded into many layers of grief and loss. Aboriginal people have not had the opportunity to grieve, heal or recover from their pain and suffering. It has left communities, families and individuals in states of deprivation, apathy, powerlessness, and hopelessness. Fi r t Nations communi ties are faced with devastating conditions and high rates of suicide alcoholism. iolence, family breakdowns, drug addiction, poverty, unemployment homele nes etc. aU symptoms of much deeper underlying problems. Each Aboriginal person, family and nation accumulates and carries the pains and trauma from the generations before, not knowing how to abolish or recover from this emotional, psychological and spiritual wounding. This research highlights the importance of cultural knowledge, practices and connections to the land in assisting Aboriginal people in recovering from generations of trauma, loss and pain. The research focuses on the Six Nations IroquoislHaudenosaunee people of the Grand Ri ver. It a1 0 explores the cultural teachings of the IroquoislHaudeno aunee and how so ial work and counselling practitioners are using traditional Haudenosaunee/Iroquois knowledge a a foundation to their practice in helping Iroquois p pJe reeo er from the generations of trauma, pain and loss. As a result of this re earch a cuJtural model for social work practice has been produced to assist practitioners in their helping role and work with Aboriginal people.</p>