This paper begins with a discussion of the broader aspects of historical trauma among Alaska’s indigenous people, beginning in the late 1880s and continuing into most of the 1900s. Topics include: the introduction of Western illnesses and diseases, Western education (boarding schools) and forced Western Christianity. However the main focus of this paper is to examine the traumatic impacts of Wrangell Institute Boarding School and the significant role the Episcopal Church of Alaska played in recognizing, implementing, and organizing a “Healing Convocation” for some of its parishioners.
This paper may have a relevance to and bearing upon policy makers, educators, parents, and Elder healthcare providers It is important to remember that many boarding school children of the 1940s and 1950s are entering the status of “Elder” in indigenous societies, and the prospect of entering elder hostels, assisted living facilities, and the like could provide a linkage back to the traumatic times of boarding school.
Source: Eastly, Cheryl. “Boarding School: Historical Trauma Among Alaska’s Native People.” National Resource Center for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Elders. October 2005. https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/institutional-effectiveness/departments/center-for-advancing-faculty-excellence/_documents/boarding-school-historical-trauma-among-alaska-s-native-people.pdf?xid=PS_smithsonian
