Research summary
Colonialism has been a major source of intergenerational trauma for Indigenous people in Canada. The legacy of the residential school system has affected survivors as well as the generations that followed. Dr. Amy Bombay, Canada Research Chair in Multigenerational Trauma and Resilience in First Nations Peoples, seeks to better understand multigenerational trauma and resilience in First Nations Peoples..
She and her research team are gathering perspectives about human development and biology from First Nations knowledge holders. This information will help create capacity and ethical space in First Nations organizations and communities to assess the biological factors involved in the multigenerational transmission of risk or resilience. Bombay’s team will also examine adverse and positive childhood experiences as key intergenerational pathways. In addition, they will determine how learning about the legacies of colonialism and the strengths of First Nations Peoples may contribute to reducing racist attitudes and increasing allyship among non-Indigenous Canadians.