Bright Path Behavioral Health celebrated Indigenous People’s Day
On October 14, 2024, Bright Path Behavioral Health celebrated Indigenous People’s Day. This day honors the resilience of Indigenous communities while recognizing the painful history they have faced across the globe. Our program in Wake Forest, North Carolina, stands on the traditional lands of the Tuscarora and Lumbee peoples. By educating ourselves about this history, we acknowledge how the interconnectedness between native and non-native communities has influenced not only our work but also the teen mental health field.
There are striking parallels between how Indigenous peoples were treated in the 1900s and how we sometimes treat teens struggling with mental health today. Between 1819 and 1969, the U.S. government forcibly removed Indigenous children from their homes, placing them in institutions meant to erase their cultural identity, language, and traditions. This was justified by the cruel mantra, “Kill the Indian, save the man.” The Indian Civilization Act of 1819, which enabled these actions, caused significant trauma, as families were torn apart. Children placed in these institutions often faced hunger, isolation, abuse, and exploitation. The effects of this cultural stripping and family separation, now known as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), left lasting impacts, increasing the likelihood that these children would grow into adults with harsher parenting styles and less nurturing capacities. Today, we acknowledge the profound intergenerational trauma these policies inflicted.
Why did such unethical practices persist for so long? Because those in positions of authority dismissed the value of those unlike themselves, using their power to create an oppressive system rooted in fear of the unknown.
Yet, the solution was simple—there was never a “problem” in the first place. Coexisting with differences is not difficult when we approach others with unconditional positive regard, curiosity, a focus on strengths, and a willingness to explore the unfamiliar.
Without the wisdom of the past, preserved through cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions, we would be lost in determining the best path forward for future generations. Thankfully, Native thinkers have turned their people’s suffering into contributions that have profoundly shaped the mental health field.
One such innovator was Dr. Logan Wright of the Osage Nation, a pioneer of pediatric psychology who led multiple paradigm shifts within behavioral health. Dr. Wright championed the radical acceptance of children struggling with mental health challenges and shifted the focus to the role of adults in the child’s support system. He emphasized the importance of psychoeducation for parents and behavior modification strategies to help children thrive. Dr. Wright also advocated for ethical research and treatment of marginalized groups. Before his contributions, children—especially those from marginalized communities—were often institutionalized and subjected to unscientific, unethical practices. His deep awareness of historical and cultural trauma informed his work, and he dedicated his career to developing community-based treatments for children, paving the way for programs like Bright Path Behavioral Health.
Dr. Wright became the first American Indian president of the American Psychological Association, inspiring many, including Dr. Willis, a psychologist from the Kiowa Tribe. Dr. Willis went on to influence child healthcare and maltreatment policies at local, national, and international levels.
When we fail to recognize the contributions of Indigenous peoples, we risk losing the diversity of thought and wisdom that can guide us to a brighter future. Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day is essential, not just for preserving cultural heritage or fostering cultural competence in clinical work, but for advancing the mental health field and improving support for the most vulnerable members of our communities.
To learn more about Dr. Wright, Indigenous Psychology and other Native Mental Health Influencers, check out the following resources:
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