The Evaluation and Research of the Somatic Archaeology Model©

Abstract

The Somatic Archaeology Model© (SAM©) is a transgenerational trauma recovery technique and modality developed by Dr. Ruby Gibson. SAM© techniques are based on epigenetic transmission, emerging neuroscience, somatic expression, biological and moral conflicts, stress management, biogeneaology, and earth-centred, kin-centric models for spiritual wholeness. SAM© creates profound shifts in one’s hormonal, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Relevant to our Native American and Indigenous communities, the purpose of Freedom Lodge non-profit is to provide individual, group, and cultural wellness opportunities/trainings related to historical trauma and the genocide of Native American (NA) Peoples. Our communities are suffering from survival stress, poverty, and grief, often related to loss of homelands, language, relatives, and culture, along with the government / church establishment of Residential Boarding Schools for Native American youth in 1960s–1970s. The goal of residential schools was to “kill the Indian in the child” through confinement, Christianity, loss of contact with family members, sexual assault, and the diminution of language, dress, identity, and beliefs. These complex, violent, and obscure government actions established multiple generations of suffering. To offset these deeply embedded, painful memories, tribal members succumb to the use of alcohol, drugs, violence, sexual assault, gangs, and youth suicide. Freedom Lodge’s goal is to provide an alternative to the “numbing” of memories, which we refer to as Reconciliation. The 5 Steps of SAM© are as follows: I Notice, I Sense, I Feel, I Interpret, and I Reconcile. One of our goals is to simplify trauma recovery for all people by utilizing earth-centred principles to not only reclaim one’s sense of self and purpose but also to align with Mother Earth to heal the deepest wounds. Evaluation of SAM© and the Historical Trauma Master Class (HTMC) sheds light on these concerns, while evaluating student needs, technique refinement, benefits of SAM©, cultural support, and application of SAM© techniques. The communities that Freedom Lodge has served over the past eight years have experienced a reduction in youth suicide, reduction in addictive tendencies, ease in personal and familial relationships, heartfelt connections with their ancestors, stronger bonds with their children, relief from long-standing pain and physical concerns, Native pride, cultural connections, and renewed hope for the future.