The Impacts of the Residential School Era; H.I.V A.I.D.S effect on Aboriginal People their Families

1. The Impacts of the Residential School Era; H.I.V & A.I.D.S effect on Aboriginal People & their Families Presented By Marguerite Sanderson B.I.S.W,. M.S.W. 2009

2. Overview of Topics Introduction Pre-Contact/Old Traditions Residential School Era Impacts: Negative & Positive Impacts of H.I.V & A.I.D.S on Aboriginal population Intergenerational Impacts on Secondary H.I.V & A.I.D.S Survivors Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Recovery & Healing Healing and Hope for Future Generations

3. Introduction This workshop will provide an opportunity for family members, friends, Caregivers and supporters to become aware of the impacts of the Residential School Era that has attributed to the epidemic of H.I.V & A.I.D.S. on First Nations families. The main Objectives are: To increase awareness of the Residential School Era as it relates to the knowledge of the impacts on the individual and families affected by H.I.V & A.I.D.S. To become familiar of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, most commonly occurs with persons who have experienced life threatening situations. To increase awareness on the intergenerational impacts suffered by family members of H.I.V & A.I.D.S Survivors. To provide an understanding of the recovery process that will guide individuals to Healing and Wellness. To offer support, encouragement and hope for future generations.

4. Pre-Contact/Old Traditions Description of Circle of Life before contact by the Newcomers Aboriginal people lived a traditional life, living off the land, relying on the natural order and laws of the Creator. Conducting themselves in accordance to spiritual connection with the Creator and Mother Earth. Utilizing the gifts, bestowed by the Creator to provide food, shelter and land for all to enjoy. Spiritual beliefs and customs were intact, along with traditions, celebrations through songs and dance. Medicine Wheel Teachings practiced. Aboriginal people had control over their lives and lived freely to roam Mother Earth and sustain their lives through migration by following the animals. Everyone had a role and a responsibility, life stages were nurtured with correct teachings by Elders and those in Council.

5. Residential School Era Impacts Negative & Positive Impacts Presently, the level of impacts on the lives of Aboriginal people can be measured with the inability to live a balanced and fulfilled life. Unresolved issues of trauma and abuse that occurred in the residential schools have caused others to struggle with psychological disorders.

6. Negative Impacts Loss of cultural identity, language, traditions and spiritual growth development which caused a deep loss and confusion. Poor bonding with loved ones. Children were taken from their parents, grandparents and communities. Inadequate communication skills and poor expression of feelings. Residential School Survivors were not allowed to assert themselves as they were subjected to an oppressive system. Inability to trust others, often becoming indifferent towards loved ones as Residential School Survivors were violated and a serious breach of trust occurred, causing distrust in authority figures. Poor decision-making and behavioral difficulties. Not knowing a sense in how one behaves in any given situation that causes a threat. Residential School Survivors were subjected to military-like conditions. Intergenerational losses has created dependency roles and underdevelopment of personal growth amongst Aboriginal people, their families and communities.

7. Positive Impacts Good work ethics were developed during the Residential School era, many Survivors have stated their experiences assisted in their ability to perform physical tasks and do chores that were determined with strict rules and schedules. An opportunity learn writing and reading skills, learning how to farm for the boys and sewing, cooking and cleaning for the girls. Long lasting friendships were formed. A sense of pride and accomplishment because Residential School Survivors made it through hard times and a sense of strength and endurance was demonstrated.

8. Residential School Era Impacts

9. Impacts of H.I.V & A.I.D.S on Aboriginal Population Type of Impacts The impacts of H.I.V & A.I.D.S have proven to have a devastating destruction to the wellbeing of an individual, their cultural identity, as well as family and community structures. H.I.V & A.I.D.S Survivors describe the impacts, as an intrusive process that effects and destroys the well-being and the survival of Aboriginal people, their families and communities. At present, the level of impact on the lives of Aboriginal people can be measured with the inability to live a healthy, balanced and fulfilled life. Living in poverty, unemployment, poor housing. Unresolved issues of trauma and abuse that occurred during the upbringing of Survivors have caused them to struggle with psychological disorders. ie. Residential Schools

10. Impacts of H.I.V & A.I.D.S (cont�d) The following impacts are just a few examples on how the H.I.V & A.I.D.S epidemic has affected Aboriginal people. Being alienated and shunned by their own families and communities. Negative attitudes and stigma creates a barrier for addressing needs and concerns for those afflicted with H.I.V & A.I.D.S. Inadequate communication skills and poor expression of feelings. Survivors experience difficulty expressing themselves due to embarrassment and shame. Inability to trust others, often becoming indifferent towards loved ones because one feels that they are not fully understood. Survivors experience stigma and betrayal from those they once trusted causing distrust in others. Poor decision-making and behavioral difficulties. Not knowing a sense in how one behaves in any given situation. Making unhealthy choices which leads to negative risk behaviors. Intergenerational losses for secondary Survivors has created dependency roles and underdevelopment on personal growth amongst Aboriginal people, their families and communities. Suicide amongst aboriginal youth is rising at eight times the rate of the general population, especially young males between the ages of 15 � 25 are at very high risk.

11. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms/Indicators �Post Traumatic Stress Disorder� is typically the term used in academic and medical circles to describe a lowered level of socio-psychological functioning with behavior attributes and characteristics that resulted due to experiencing traumatic events that occurred during upbringing. The symptoms of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual DSM-IV, a manual utilized by psychiatrists and psychologists to guide diagnostic criteria for clear descriptions and identification of mental health disorders.

12. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms/Indicators (cont�d) A brief overview of symptoms/indicators of PTSD will provide an opportunity to understand how a person is effected by traumatic experiences of H.I.V/A.I.D.S & Residential Survivors, such as: Vigilance and scanning Elevated startle response Blunted affect of physical numbing Aggressive, controlling behavior Interruption of memory or concentration Depression Generalized anxiety Episodes of rage Intrusive recall Dissociative �Flashback� experiences

13. Intergenerational Impacts on Secondary H.I.V & A.I.D.S Survivors Several generations of Aboriginal people have been continuously exposed to traumatic experiences of physical, emotional, sexual, mental and spiritual abuse. Family violence, child abuse, accidental deaths and suicide rates are on the rise and continues to this day from generation to generation, resulting into economic, social and political dependency. (effects of colonialism) The impacts of the Residential School Era coupled with the epidemic of H.I.V & A.I.D.S has caused considerable effects on family relationships; sexual and physical abuse experienced by Residential Survivors have left its mark, as a result entire communities have become unhealthy and distorted in their values & views of family/community and the roles they portray. (inappropriate learned behaviors) Intergenerational effects have led Aboriginal communities to become unhealthy, however more information is being shared regarding the impacts/effects of Residential School Era and awareness on H.I.V & A.I.D.S in order to promote an understanding of the challenges experienced by Survivors.

14. Intergenerational Impacts on Secondary H.I.V & A.I.D.S Survivors (cont�d) Inter-generational Survivors, such as children and youth of direct Survivors suffer adverse effects such as being psychologically vulnerable to stress and trauma. Inter-generational Survivors may suffer from the following: Lack of/use of effective communication skills, at school, at home and community in general. (traumatic experiences are not discussed in families due to cultural values; silence) Direct Survivors suffer isolation and emotional distance, often feeling an emptiness in their lives, due to being stigmatized and shunned. Therefore, creating a need to avoid intimate or meaningful relationship with spouses and their children. (poor bonding and loss of parenting skills) Loss of cultural and spiritual values took place in residential schools which resulted in loss of language and spiritual identity. (cultural genocide) Unresolved trauma can lead to further trauma onto family members. (inappropriate learned behaviors)

15. Recovery & Healing Recovery or Survivors of H.I.V & A.I.D.S requires professional therapeutic assistance in learning how to process painful feelings. The symptoms associated with contracting H.I.V & A.I.D.S renders a person to experience difficulty in their daily living, they are not able to function at optimum level. Healing from any kind of trauma experienced during the disclosure of H.I.V & A.I.D.S will involve empathy and understanding from caregivers and family members. There are existing services aimed to assist Survivors of H.I.V & A.I.D.S. The most important aspect of healing is to find ones� cultural identity and re-establishing roles within the family and community. Recovery for secondary Survivors, meaning those whose relatives have been directly affected by PTSD should do some research by asking questions and/or reading on the effects/impacts of Residential School Era & H.I.V & A.I.D.S. Being able to understand the impacts and affects reduces the stress level of individuals struggling to come to terms with what is happening in their home and family systems. Reaching out to caring and understanding people in our community, secondly to find a safe environment to disclose with what is happening and to take the right steps to recovery phase.

16. Recovery & Healing (cont�d) A recovery phase should be in place, to guide the recovery process these steps are encouraged: Facing the painful experience by re-constructing what happened and disclosure of such event. Acceptance of what occurred as opposed to, denying the experience. To examine and explore the perceptions and learned behavior that resulted from the experience and re-learn appropriate behavior. To begin a process of seeking an understanding and to acknowledge the impacts of such an event. To seek individual and family support counseling for the purpose of forming trusting relationships. Utilize the wisdom of respected Elders through sharing circles or traditional ceremonies.

17. Recovery & Healing (cont�d) Challenge your understanding of beliefs, do not allow yourself to work in isolation. Acquire a deeper knowledge of yourself, to formulate your role in the family and community. Establish a safety plan and support system by setting limits in how you are going to deal with what happened and disclosure of such event. Form a relationship with the Creator/Higher Power through prayers and meditation. Learn to forgive yourself, do not blame yourself and seek guidance and support from the Creator, in order to bring about closure. Learn and practice traditional ethics practiced in your community, if they are not written, ask Elders for advice.

18. Healing & Hope for Future Generations Healing & Hope is needed to address the impacts of the Residential School Era coupled with the epidemic and spread of H.I.V. & A.I.D.S in Aboriginal families and their communities, our youth are confronted with many issues, they can not overcome the issues by themselves. Families that are struggling to address these impacts will require a lot of work and commitment towards recovery and wellness. Taking up the challenge to begin a healing journey will require strength, honesty, change of attitude and endurance.

19. Healing and Hope for Future Generations (cont�d) There is hope for individuals and families in their struggles with Residential School Era & H.I.V & A.I.D.S. Impacts Sharing your experiences and stories opens up a dialogue and understanding amongst the future generations. Relearning proper conduct and behavior of roles and responsibilities within the family and community systems. Reclaiming the cultural values, traditions, culture (language) and kinship ties. Restoring self-identity and self worth through encouragement, nurturing and support, especially for children and youth.

20. Healing and Hope for Future Generations (cont�d) For Communities: Cultural and Spiritual Revitalization Strengthening the bonds of family and community Encourage community partnerships with other existing agencies Whole community involvement Self determination and control in determining what is best for your community

21. Conclusion Many Thanks to All Nations Hope AIDS Network for their commitment and dedication in their fight against HIV/ AIDS & hepatitis C. Information and resources are available on the ANHAN website at www.allnationshope.ca