Lateral violence is a term that might seem unfamiliar to many, but it is a pervasive issue that affects Indigenous communities across Canada and around the world. It refers to harmful actions or behaviors—such as bullying, gossiping, exclusion, verbal abuse, and even physical violence—directed toward members of the same community. What makes lateral violence particularly complex is that it often occurs within marginalized communities, where individuals who have been historically oppressed turn their anger and frustration inward toward each other, rather than outward toward the systems of power that have caused their harm.

To understand lateral violence fully, we must explore its roots, its impact, and how it can be addressed to build stronger, healthier communities.

The Roots of Lateral Violence

Lateral violence does not occur in a vacuum; it is deeply connected to the historical and ongoing trauma caused by colonization, residential schools, forced assimilation, and other forms of systemic oppression faced by Indigenous peoples. For generations, Indigenous communities in Canada have been subjected to cultural erasure, displacement, and violence by colonial governments. This legacy of trauma has left deep scars, not just on individuals, but on entire communities.

For many Indigenous peoples, the generational impacts of residential schools, the loss of traditional lands, and forced assimilation have caused widespread pain, anger, and grief. Unfortunately, this pain is sometimes turned inward. Communities who are still struggling with the wounds of colonization often find themselves replicating harmful behaviors they have experienced, but now within their own ranks. This internalized oppression is a critical factor in the rise of lateral violence.

What Does Lateral Violence Look Like?

Lateral violence can manifest in various forms, often taking subtle or indirect shapes. Here are some of the most common behaviors associated with lateral violence:

• Gossip and Rumors: Spreading false or hurtful stories about someone in the community, undermining their reputation and sense of belonging.
• Bullying: Targeting individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable, with verbal abuse or intimidation, often in public or social settings.
• Exclusion: Deliberately leaving someone out of a group or community activity, creating a sense of isolation.
• Jealousy and Sabotage: Resentment towards a community member who appears to be successful, leading to actions that undermine or sabotage their achievements.
• Verbal Abuse: Disparaging remarks, name-calling, or put-downs that attack someone’s character, often rooted in internalized negative beliefs about themselves or their identity.
• Physical Violence: Acts of aggression, sometimes in the form of physical fights or abuse, often driven by unresolved anger or frustration.

The Impact of Lateral Violence

Lateral violence has wide-reaching consequences, both on a personal and community level. The most immediate harm is often emotional and psychological, as those targeted may experience feelings of rejection, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Over time, the damage can become more profound, affecting a person’s sense of identity, belonging, and overall well-being.

At a community level, lateral violence creates division and weakens solidarity. Indigenous communities have long faced challenges in rebuilding after generations of trauma, and lateral violence only deepens these divides. Instead of working together to heal from the legacy of colonization, communities may become focused on internal conflicts, leaving less energy to address the larger issues that still affect them, such as land rights, health inequities, and social justice.

Lateral violence can also lead to cycles of trauma. As individuals who are affected by lateral violence internalize the pain, they may, in turn, perpetuate similar harmful behaviors toward others. This generational cycle of harm, often referred to as “intergenerational trauma,” can persist for decades if left unaddressed.

How Can We Address Lateral Violence?

While lateral violence is a serious and deeply ingrained issue, there are steps that can be taken to prevent it and heal from its effects. Here are some strategies that can help address lateral violence in Indigenous communities:

1. Acknowledge the Trauma

Understanding that lateral violence is rooted in historical and intergenerational trauma is the first step toward healing. By acknowledging the pain caused by colonization and the lasting effects of systemic oppression, communities can begin to address the root causes of lateral violence. Education about the impacts of colonialism and the need for healing can foster empathy and reduce the tendency to turn on one another.

2. Cultural Revitalization

One of the most effective ways to combat lateral violence is to reconnect community members with their culture, traditions, and languages. Cultural identity is a powerful tool for healing. When Indigenous peoples can reclaim their heritage, they are more likely to feel empowered and less susceptible to the internalized oppression that often leads to lateral violence. Revitalization efforts such as language programs, traditional ceremonies, and community gatherings play an important role in fostering pride and unity.

3. Promote Healing and Reconciliation

Restorative justice approaches, like talking circles and community gatherings, offer a space for open dialogue, healing, and reconciliation. These practices allow individuals to share their experiences and express their pain in a safe, non-judgmental environment. By encouraging compassion and understanding, communities can begin to rebuild relationships and move toward collective healing.

4. Leadership and Role Models

Leaders within Indigenous communities—whether they are Elders, teachers, or youth advocates—must model positive behavior. By promoting conflict resolution, mutual respect, and compassion, leaders can influence others to adopt more constructive ways of dealing with differences. Leadership must also actively address incidents of lateral violence when they occur and encourage community members to hold one another accountable in a supportive and non-punitive way.

5. Community Solidarity

Building strong, unified communities is essential to reducing lateral violence. Initiatives that foster cooperation, collaboration, and shared goals can counteract division. Rather than viewing each other as rivals or threats, community members can be encouraged to view one another as allies working toward the same cause: healing, growth, and self-determination.

Moving Toward a Healthier Future

Lateral violence is a painful but significant challenge faced by many Indigenous communities. It reflects the deep scars left by colonization and historical trauma. However, with the right tools, support systems, and a focus on healing, it is possible to break the cycle of harm. By fostering understanding, promoting cultural revitalization, and encouraging community solidarity, Indigenous peoples can create healthier, more supportive environments where lateral violence no longer thrives.

Addressing lateral violence requires empathy, patience, and a collective commitment to healing. As we work together to confront this issue, we can begin to dismantle the internalized oppression that has divided us for far too long and create communities that are rooted in strength, resilience, and love for one another.