Impact of Unresolved Trauma on American Indian Health Equity

The American Indian (AI) population suffers from significant health disparities, and the outcomes in the Northern Plains are among the worst in the nation. Numerous factors contribute to health inequities, including poverty, inadequate educational systems, food deserts, marginalization, and other social determinants of health. An additional factor contributing to poor health outcomes is unresolved trauma in the forms of historical trauma, forced boarding school participation, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and discrimination. Dr. Warne will focus on his research into historical trauma and ACEs in North Dakota and South Dakota. He will discuss the concepts of resilience and recovery to prevent future trauma and to mitigate the impact and outcomes of trauma.