The Lumbee tribe & narratives of intergenerational coping with hazards
Date
2023
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The Lumbee Tribe is in the state of North Carolina on the eastern coast of the United States of America. It is home to a distinct population of Indigenous people who have faced multiple disasters, mainly flooding due to hurricanes. The effects of disasters compound with adverse factors within the community, such as a lack of housing support, healthcare access, and governmental resources. Since the United States federal government does not recognize the Lumbee Tribe, the tribe is federally unsupported in times of disaster, such as during repeat flooding and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In this research project, I examined these aspects through the lens of intergenerational trauma. First, I gathered data on the impacts of disasters and colonialism on the prevalence of intergenerational trauma among the population through qualitative interviews with Lumbee Tribal members and community stakeholders. Amidst data collection, I conducted fieldwork mainly in the towns of Lumberton and Pembroke. I used an inductive, open-coding approach to identify themes within the data. While examining the adverse effects of these systemic challenges, I focused on the insight into the Lumbee community's capacity for self-sufficiency and resilience, specifically to their cultural connections and ability to adapt and support one another. This data represents aspects of the lived experiences of the Lumbee people regarding disasters, colonialism, and intergenerational trauma and has the potential to call attention to tangible resources and discussions of sovereignty within the community. ☐ Keywords: disasters, intergenerational trauma, Indigenous people, and COVID-19
Description
Keywords
COVID-19, Disasters, Indigenous people, Intergenerational trauma, Lumbee Tribe, Native Americans