Key Findings

These key findings show the important ways to promote healing and resilience for individuals affected by intergenerational trauma. Each finding reflects research-based approaches that help support well-being, identity, and connection.

Showing how resiestent the Indigenous community is

🧠 Intervention-Based Supports Improvement on Mental Health Outcomes 🧠

For overall improvement of mental health, research suggests intervention-based support holds a key role for individuals impacted by intergenerational trauma. Research showcases that programs that focus on mindfulness, stress management, and self-compassion can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD (Aker et al., 2023; Catherine et al., 2025; Charhar Mahali et al., 2021).

These supports also help individuals develop regulation and emotional skills, strengthen resilience, and overall improve well-being (Gee et al., 2023; Montesanti et al., 2022). With these supports it showcase the importance of accessible and culturally responsive mental health supports for promoting long-term healing and resilience.

Educator showing support to their children

📖 Support from Educators Supports Trauma-informed Care 📖

Being supported by an educator is an important factor in improving outcomes for children affected by intergenerational trauma. Research suggests that trauma-informed educators who build strong, trusting relationships with students can help reduce anxiety, support emotional regulation, and improve well-being (Jacobson, 2021).

When an educator is able to create a safe and inclusive learning environment, children are more likely to feel appreciated, understood, and supported (Jacobson, 2021). It also shows how educators who are trained in trauma-aweare practices are better equipped to recognize and respond to their students' needs, while helping foster resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging within the classroom (Jaconson, 2021).

This supports how essential the role of an educator is in creating supportive environments that help promote healing and long-term success for children.

🎨 Art-Based Activities Support Identity, Expression, and Healing 🎨

Art-based activities have been shown to play an important role in supporting healing and emotional expression for individuals affected by intergenerational trauma. By providing creative practices, such as identity-based activities, storytelling through art, and reflections, provides individuals to be able to process their experiences in a safe and meaningful way (Cooper et al., 2019; McKinley et al., 2021).

With these activities, it encourages self-expression, strengthens self-esteem, and supports the development of a stronger sense of identity (Cooper et al., 2019; Gfellner, 2016). These findings demonstrate how creative expression can serve as a useful tool for healing, identity development, and emotional well-being.

📚 Storytelling and Cultural Practices Promote Healing and Connection 📚

Storytelling is a big part of the Indigenous community. By providing storytelling and cultural practices components of healing and identity development with the Indigenous communities. Creating engaging traditional practices, including storytelling, guidance from Elders, and participation in cultural activities, has been shown to improve individuals' reconnection with their heritage and strengthen their sense of identity (Lines et al., 2025; Montesanti et al., 2025).

These practices provide opportunities for reflection, shared experiences, and emotional expression. This is important for processing trauma (Lines et al., 2025). Being able to create a sense of community and belonging, storytelling and cultural identity across generations (Liebenberg et al., 2019; Montesanti et al., 2025). This finding shows the importance of cultural connection in supporting healing, strengthening identity, and fostering a sense of belonging.

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