Historical Trauma In Native American Culture

“Here's the reality. The image of a white Jesus has been used to justify enslavement, conquest, colonialism, the genocide of indigenous peoples. There are literally millions of human beings whose lives have been snuffed out by people who conquered under the banner of a white god” (Tim Wise). White superiority has been in effect for hundreds of years. Every culture has experienced it. With Native Americans they had their land and customs stolen by the arrival of the European. With the Jews they were victimised by Hitler and his racist policies.
One culture that was affected by this is/was the Cherokee. People who were neither for or against the Treaty of New Echota. They were herded together, like cattle into groups made up of hundreds. Told

The treaty was not signed by the principal chief John Ross. Nor was it approved of the Cherokee National Council. It was still amended in 1836 which made it legal for the removal of the Cherokee, and started the trail of tears.
Historical Trauma is described as the cumulative emotional and psychological wounding over one’s lifetime and from generation to generation following loss of lives and vital aspects of culture.(Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart). It has led to alcoholism, drug addiction, a high suicide rate, domestic violence, and sexual abuse . These are just examples of what historical trauma is like, but there is hope overcoming such a horrific genocide
The Cherokee now. Have their own functioning government, court system, and educational system. They were one the first Indigenous nations to publish in their native tongue. They are all little victories in their own way. A male survivor had said “he was thankful everyday that he woke up, that he lived.” Much like the Cherokee, the Cheyenne and Arapaho have gone through historical trauma due to the white man trying to terminate

For nothing more than the land that they accompanied. As the Indian land grew more and more in need by the European. Native peoples were “reluctant” to give it up. The European were planning on taking their land, and giving them less important land. Sand Creek village in Oklahoma had about 900 people living on it at the time. The Cheyenne and Arapaho people were promised their by the treaty of 1851, a chief went and talked with an army representative. He was assured that his people and land were protected from being taken or hurt.
The morning of November 29th 1864 a group called “Colorado Volunteers” enclosed on the Sand Creek Village people.Chief Black Kettle then raised an American flag in the hopes of friendship. His plan did not help.That’s when Colonel John Chivington gave the order “Kill and Scalp all, big or little”. The invasion killed about 400 people, mainly women and children. If any tried to escape they were