The cultural adaptation of Western trauma interventions for Indigenous peoples experiencing trauma: an environmental scan of Turtle Island

Background Experiences of oppression and genocide towards Indigenous peoples have contributed to severe trauma symptoms. Yet, for Indigenous individuals seeking trauma-related help in Western clinical settings, most therapists lack the culturally relevant tools to meet the needs of Indigenous peoples soliciting help. Objective As Western-informed trauma interventions are developed for use broadly, this article reviews how said interventions are currently adapted by key parties to be safe, effective, and relevant for Indigenous individuals specifically. Method Source eligibility included: at least one Indigenous author or an Indigenous community/organization as collaborator; a Western-based trauma intervention adapted for use with Indigenous individuals; and a focus on the populations of Turtle Island (so called “North America”). Western and Indigenous databases, as well as non-academic literature, were searched. Results A summary of current adaptation practices is presented in three phases: (i) planning (selecting an appropriate therapy, consultation and collaboration with communities/experts); (ii) adaptation (surface and deep level); and (iii) implementation (assessing client fit, evaluating feasibility and effectiveness). Conclusion Key parties described their adaptation processes in detail, but there appears to be little consensus on how to go about this work. As such, the synthesis of formalized guidelines or Wise Practices could be of great benefit.