This tip sheet defines historical trauma and describes impacts of historical trauma in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) cultures and communities. The tip sheet also provides tips to help responders prepare to support AIAN communities that have been affected by disasters.

This tip sheet notes the diversity of Native American cultures in the United States, presents some general commonalities across many Native American cultures and societies, explains historical trauma and how tribes may think about and respond to disasters, and suggests ways to support tribal communities that have experienced disasters. References and related resources are listed.