Indigenous Public Safety Personnel & Trauma: Acknowledging History, Supporting Healing, and Leading with Respect

Intergenerational Trauma in the Workplace 

Indigenous Peoples—First Nations, Inuit, and Métis—have lived on these lands for thousands of years with unique cultures, languages, and knowledge systems. But for many, the legacy of colonialism continues to impact daily life, mental health, and the experience of work. 

For Indigenous individuals in public safety roles, the challenges can be deeply layered. They carry the weight of high-stress, frontline work while also navigating the personal and cultural impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma. These experiences are not separate—they coexist and can compound one another in very real ways. 

This article is designed to support leaders, colleagues, and care providers in understanding these realities and creating safer, more respectful workplaces. 

Colonial Trauma: A Lasting Legacy 

Colonial policies—such as the Indian Act and the residential school system—were designed to erase Indigenous identities, cultures, and autonomy. These efforts forcibly removed children from their families, disrupted traditional ways of life, and imposed cycles of trauma that continue to affect generations today. 

Even though the last residential school closed in 1996, the effects are ongoing. Many survivors, their children, and grandchildren experience mental health challenges tied to these systems—ranging from PTSD, anxiety, and depression to disconnection from language, community, and cultural identity. 

This legacy shows up in the workplace in ways that are often unseen: in hesitancy to speak up, in silence during group settings, in deep discomfort with institutional structures that echo the past. 

The Intersection of Occupational and Intergenerational Trauma in Indigenous PSP: 

For Indigenous public safety personnel, trauma is often twofold: 

• Occupational trauma from the intense demands of the job—responding to emergencies, witnessing suffering, and navigating risk. 

• Historical and intergenerational trauma from the long-standing impacts of colonization and cultural disruption. 

This dual burden can be especially heavy in environments that expect emotional detachment or reward stoicism. Indigenous team members may also face the additional stress of working within systems that have historically harmed their communities—and yet, they serve with strength and dedication every day. 

What Leaders and Teams Can Do: Practical, Respectful Support 

You don’t have to be an expert in Indigenous history to be a good colleague or leader. But you do need to be thoughtful, trauma-aware, and open to continuous learning. 

Here are some meaningful ways to show support: 

• Acknowledge, don’t assume. Don’t guess someone’s background or experience. Let people self-identify if and when they choose. 

• Respect cultural practices. Create space for ceremonies, smudging, prayer, and traditional gatherings where possible. 

• Recognize different trauma responses. Triggers may not always look like withdrawal or visible distress. Understand that trauma can show up in unexpected ways. 

• Support access to culturally appropriate care. Offer counselling services with Indigenous practitioners or those trained in cultural safety. 

• Model understanding in team culture. Speak out against stereotypes, avoid insensitive humour, and create an environment where Indigenous team members feel seen and respected. 

• Don’t expect disclosure. Not everyone wants—or should be expected—to share their story. Respect boundaries and privacy.

Culturally Safe Mental Health Support 

Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAPs), peer support teams, and health providers all have a role to play. But cultural safety is key. 

To improve support for Indigenous employees: 

• Offer Indigenous-specific counselling options, such as Elders, community-based therapists, or land-based healing. 

• Train mental health professionals in trauma-informed, culturally safe practices. 

• Normalize access to these services for all employees, helping to reduce stigma and increase usage.

How Non-Indigenous Colleagues Can Continue Learning 

Learning is a powerful step—but it must be paired with action. Here are simple ways to deepen your understanding: 

• Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action 

• Attend Indigenous-led events, like powwows or cultural awareness sessions 

• Read books by Indigenous authors about lived experiences 

• Visit cultural sites or museums, especially those highlighting Indigenous history 

• Reflect on your own assumptions or biases—microaggressions often go unnoticed but do real harm 

Importantly: do your own learning. Don’t rely on Indigenous colleagues to educate you unless they offer.

A Shared Path Forward 

Healing from trauma—whether personal or generational—is not a quick process. For Indigenous Peoples, healing is deeply connected to land, culture, family, and community. And while non-Indigenous people can't lead that process, they can walk alongside with respect. 

In public safety environments, where camaraderie, trust, and shared purpose matter deeply, being trauma-aware isn’t extra—it’s essential. 

We all play a role in creating workplaces where Indigenous employees feel safe, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves to the job. That’s what real inclusion looks like.

References

1. Bellamy, S., Hardy, C. (2015). “Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Aboriginal People in Canada. National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health.” Accessed 10 April 2025.

2. Brown, M. (2021). “Mental health review of the Indigenous Police Services of Ontario.” Indigenous Police Chiefs of Ontario. Accessed 10 April 2025.

3. CBC News (2021). “Your questions answered about Canada’s residential school system. CBC Explains.” Accessed 10 April 2025.

4. Hanson, E. (n.d.). "The Sixties Scoop & Aboriginal child welfare. First Nations & Indigenous Studies." University of British Columbia. Accessed 10 April 2025.

5. Jeganathan, J., Lucchetta, C. (2021). “Felt through generations: A timeline of residential schools in Canada.” TVO. Accessed 10 April 2025.

6. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). "What We Have Learned: Principles of Truth and Reconciliation." Government of Canada. Accessed 10 April 2025.