In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, we explore the profound impact of generational trauma, particularly within Native American communities. Our guest Mark Powless discusses how historical trauma—stemming from events like land loss, and the forced assimilation through boarding schools—continues to affect Indigenous peoples today.
Mark reflects on his upbringing on the Oneida Reservation, where substance abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma were normalized. It wasn’t until he left the reservation for college that he began to recognize these issues as a reflection of deeper historical wounds. These traumas, often passed down through generations, have altered how Native people view themselves, their communities, and their place in the world.
Mark delves into the specific trauma caused by boarding schools, which sought to erase Indigenous culture and replace it with Western norms, often through physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. He shares the personal story of his great-grandfather, who was a victim of this system but never spoke about his trauma, a silence that hindered healing for subsequent generations. Mark also describes how this unresolved pain manifested in behaviors like anger and substance abuse.
A key moment in the episode is when Mark recounts how a seemingly small event—his son being told to cut his hair for school—triggered a flood of painful memories and realizations about the ongoing effects of cultural erasure. In Native American culture, long hair holds deep cultural significance, and cutting it is a symbolic act of severing ties with one’s identity and community.
Mark emphasizes that healing from such trauma is an ongoing process that requires both individual and collective effort. He shares his own journey of healing through Indigenous practices, such as sweat lodges, and how he works to model a healthier approach to mental wellness for his children. Ultimately, Mark stresses the importance of acknowledging and discussing trauma as part of the healing process, both for individuals and for entire communities.
The episode underscores the importance of understanding generational trauma in order to break cycles of pain and promote healing. It also highlights the need for compassionate listening and patience in addressing the mental health challenges that arise from such deep-rooted wounds.
Links to more information, provided by Mark:
Oneida Nation Website https://oneida-nsn.gov/
Resources Mark recommends to learn more: https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Woman-Lives-Roberta-Capasso/dp/1483443469
https://www.amazon.com/Boarding-School-Seasons-American-1900-1940/dp/0803264054
Healing the Soul Wound: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKVTzJYyyRY
