Disease, Distrust, Disparities and Direction: American Indian and Alaska Native Socio-political Histories, Historical Trauma, and a Pathway to Wellness was a keynote address from the 2023 Health Equity Forum.
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) peoples have been targets of genocide since early European arrival. Some of the strategies included the use of disease as biological warfare. It is important to understand this history and the continued effects of historical trauma to implement true systems of equity. Cultural respect and healing are key to working effectively in AI/AN people. It is integral to building trust and respect for traditional epistemologies, which lay the foundation to build culturally-attuned, effective systems for prevention, early intervention and care.
Speaker:
Esther Lucero, MPP, CEO
Seattle Indian Health Board
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