DEI Conference
Generational Trauma of Native Americans
Session Description:
To understand the present, we must first understand the past. This presentation discusses how the history of boarding schools has caused generational trauma that has been passed down to generations of family including the loss of language and culture. Dr. Natrall-Ackles has lived experience of generational trauma and discusses these impacts of the past five generations in her family.
Objectives and Key Takeaways:
- To understand how generational trauma impacts Native Americans today to be able to bridge resources and services to this population.
- To support all populations that have been impacted by generational trauma.
- Although this is considered history, it is still not far removed and still impacts Native Americans today.
Audience:
Audience Knowledge and Experience:
Guest Speakers
Dr. Marie Natrall-Ackles
Tribal Affairs Administrator
Dr. Marie Natrall-Ackles (she/her) is Canadian First Nations (Squamish and Northern Tutchone) originally from North Vancouver, BC Canada. Dr. Natrall-Ackles has worked for all levels of government: federal, state and tribal as well as non-profit. Her federal work experience in Washington DC was with the Administration for Children and Families Tribal Home Visiting Program and Zero To Three National Resource Center for Infants and Toddlers. Her tribal work experience was working with the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe in the areas of early childhood, Indian Child Welfare and TANF. Currently, Dr. Natrall-Ackles is the first designated Tribal Affairs Administrator with DSHS BHA administration. Prior to this position, she worked with the Office of Indian Policy as a regional manager. Her educational background includes an Associate of Arts Degree in Indigenous Government, Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies, Master of Public Administration in Tribal Governance and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration.
