Land-Based Trauma and Alcohol Use Among Indigenous Communities: The Healing Role of Traditional Hunting Practice

Purpose:

Evidence shows alarming health disparities between indigenous populations and the majority populations in Taiwan (Wen, Tsai, Shih & Chung, 2004). Alcohol-involved accidental injury and illness are leading causes of death among Taiwanese indigenous peoples (Council of Indigenous People, 2009). The preponderance studies have focused on socioeconomic status, family function, and biological factors as determinants of alcohol use among indigenous communities in Taiwan (Chen, 2014). However, few studies have explored the influence of historical context on indigenous peoples’ use of alcohol (Hsia, 2010; Tsai, 2008). This study uses a historical trauma framework to investigate historical determinants of alcohol use among Taiwanese indigenous communities, with a special attention to land­-based trauma (e.g., forced relocation, land loss and hunting ban). Historical trauma framework emphasizes that contemporary indigenous health outcomes (e.g., substance use/abuse) are the long reaching effects of historical traumatic events (Brave Heart, 2003). 

Methods:

Data & Sample: This study used a community­-engagement approach that involves collaborating with an indigenous tribe in Taiwan. Similar to many global indigenous communities, Taiwanese indigenous peoples have experienced a history of colonial oppression, such as: forced relocation and prohibition of traditional and cultural practices. Analysis drew on qualitative data from 30 indigenous tribal members (20-­83 years) who live in the East Taiwan.

Analysis: Semi-­structured interviews were conducted to explore the influence of land­-based traumatic events and the existing protective factors among Taiwanese indigenous communities. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis approach, which included both within-­ and cross-­case analysis to identify major themes.

Results:

Data analysis reveals that the frequency of Taiwanese indigenous people’s alcohol use increased following the colonization of Taiwan. Land-­based traumatic events have been reported as contributing factors to alcohol use among Taiwanese indigenous peoples. Four major themes related to the influences of land-based trauma on alcohol use emerged: 1) deep spiritual connection with the lands used to be a critical health­-promotion factor that could improve indigenous well­being and relieve stress; (2) cumulative land­based traumatic events separated indigenous peoples from their traditional lands, which in turn has impacted their spiritual relationship to the lands and has increased their stress; (3) alcohol use has become a stress coping strategy; and (4) traditional hunting practices as a protective factor can mitigate stress and alleviate alcohol use. Participants mentioned that government policies spurred land-­based traumatic events such as: forced relocation, land loss and hunting ban that subsequently influenced Taiwanese indigenous people’s relationship with alcohol. Excessive drinking is used to cope with stress, relating from cumulative land-­based traumatic events. Participants also emphasized that traditional hunting practices help them restore the spiritual relationships with the lands and the spirits of their ancestors, which can support them to relieve stress and find balance and harmony.

Conclusions and Implications:

Findings demonstrate that land­-based trauma is one of several determinants of drinking behavior change among Taiwanese indigenous communities. To alleviating excessive alcohol use among indigenous peoples, those working with indigenous communities should seek out cultural resources or guidance to incorporate hunting practices into prevention and intervention programs in culturally meaningful ways.