The Intersection of Historical Trauma & Murdered and Missing Indigenous People
Bridget Diamond-Welch, PhD; Carmen O’Leary, BS & Anna E. Kosloski, PhD | September 22 | 3:15-4:15 PM
Topic: Research | Knowledge Level: Beginner
Native peoples across the United States are experiencing tremendous violence. Recent statistics indicate that over 80% of Native peoples will experience violence in their lifetime (Rosay, 2016). Homicide is the third leading cause of death among Native women and girls which is a rate ten times greater than the national average (Joseph, 2021; Lucchesi & Echo-Hawk, 2018). Across North America, there are an unknown number of Murdered and Missing Indigenous People. While little formal attention has been given to this epidemic, grassroots efforts are centering the voices of Native people to understand this current social problem. This qualitative research study used data from 15 Native participants in focus groups and interviews to understand the victimization experienced in Native communities within the Great Plains. Thus, helping to answer the research question, what are the underlying causes of Murdered and Missing Indigenous People? Using grounded theory, this study identified the impact of historical trauma from colonial practices such as forcible removal from lands, sexual violence, and boarding schools on contemporary victimization among Native communities. Additionally, this presentation discusses the need for future research to be Indigenous-led and center on the voices of Native people. This research was conducted with two other non-presenting research partners, Abi Montgomery and Anna Doering. It is in gratitude that this research team acknowledges this project would not have occurred without the trust and support of the many Native people who shared their experiences, knowledge, and time with this team.
Presentation Objectives:
· Define the term "missing" as it pertains to Murdered and Missing Indigenous People
· Explain the relationship between historical trauma and Murdered and Missing Indigenous People
· Discuss the connections between other forms of violence, historical trauma, and Murdered and Missing Indigenous People