Aboriginal Lateral Violence - Native Women's Association of Canada

“Whena powerfuloppressor hasdirected oppressionagainst a group for aperiod of time, membersof the oppressed group feelpowerless to fight back andthey eventually turntheir anger againsteach other.”– Jane Middleton-MozAlthough a worldwide occurrence, this factsheet is about how lateral violence impactsAboriginal people. Unlike workplacebullying, lateral violence differs in thatAboriginal people are now abusing their ownpeople in similar ways that they have beenabused. It is a cycle of abuse and its roots liein factors such as: colonisation, oppression,intergenerational trauma and the ongoingexperiences of racism and discrimination.Through these factors Aboriginal peoplenow become the oppressor and withinthe workplace or community they nowdirect abuse to people of their own gender,culture, sexuality, and profession.In otherwords, instead of directing their anger at theoppressor, these workplace or communityaggressors now direct their anger at theirown peers or community members.Other terms for lateral violence alsoinclude:• work place bullyingHow does this affect Aboriginal people?Lateral violence is a learned behaviouras a result of colonialism and patriarchalmethods of governing and developing asociety. For Aboriginal people, this hasmeant that due to residential schools,discrimination and racism; Aboriginalpeople were forced to stop practicing theirtraditional teachings of oneness.As a result of this trauma, some Aboriginalpeople have developed social skills andwork practices which do not necessarycreate healthy workplaces or communities.Since many Aboriginal people work inenvironments which maybe predominatelyAboriginal, these practices mean thatAboriginal people are now causingpain and suffering on their own people.“Lateral violence has impactedindigenous peoples throughout the• horizontal hostilities/world to the point of where we harmviolenceeach other in our communities and• internalizedcolonialismworkplaces on a daily basis.”• relational aggression – Rod Jeffries

Who does Lateral Violence?• Boss• Supervisor• Co-workers• Friends• Family Members• Peers• Authority Figures• Community MembersWhat are the behaviours linked withlateral violence?Lateral violence takes on a number ofdifferent toxic behaviours, and it is anyaction that is meant to discourage ormake a person feel bad in the workplace.If you are the target of lateral violence theconstant barrage of negative behaviourscan be likened to harassment and bullying.In its extreme form, lateral violence canbe conscious, deliberate act of meannesswith the overall intention to harm, hurtand induce fear in a co-worker. In otherforms of lateral violence, the individualperpetrating the negative behaviour maynot be aware of the meanness they areexhibiting and they may not be doing theseactions intentionally.The following are some of behaviouralindicators that lateral violence may behappening by you, to you or to someoneelse in your workplace.pg. 2 Aboriginal Lateral Violence• nonverbal intimation (raising eyebrows,making faces, eye rolling)• obvious name calling• sarcasm• bickering• whining• blaming• belittling a person’s opinions• yelling or using profanity• making up and/or exaggeratingscenarios• making snide comments and remarks• making jokes that are offensive byspoken word or email• using put downs• gossiping• rumour mongering• ignoring, excluding or freezingout people• handing over work assignments withunreasonable deadlines or duties thatwill ensure the person will fail• being purposely unavailable to meetwith staff• undermining activities• withholding information or givingthe wrong information purposely• constantly changing work guidelines• blocking requests for a promotion,leave or training• not giving enough work so theindividual will feel useless• refusing to work with someone• backstabbing• complaining to peers and notconfronting the individual• failing to respect privacy• breaking the confidences of others• mobbing or ganging up on others

Where does it happen?Although the most common place forlateral violence is in the workplace, itdoes cross the line into the communityand home. The primary workplaces inwhich lateral violence are more prevalentare those with poor organizational systemsor those workplaces that are undergoingchange such as downsizing or merging,or when power is shifting and people feeluncertain.Why does it happen?Lateral violence happens whenindividuals who have enduredoppression suppress feelings such as:anger, shame, and rage. Eventually thesefeelings manifest in behaviours suchas: jealousy, resentment, blame, andbitterness; and they are directed towardtheir Aboriginal co-workers.As many of these people have been victimsof abuse these behaviours are usually usedto manipulate, dominate, control anddiminish others. Regardless of their issues,the behaviour is not appropriate and noone should be the target of someone’sunresolved issues.Anyone can be a target of lateral violence...It can really be really disheartening ifyou are the target of lateral violence inthe workplace. Most people enter intoan Aboriginal organization expectingthat in working with their own peoplethey will be supported and encouraged.Instead you find yourself now workingwith the very people who are bringingyou down and making things hard foryou. What did you do wrong? In mostcases, you did absolutely nothing. Lateralviolence is more about what is wrong withthe aggressors than the receiver of theiraggression.

Anyone can be a target of lateral violence...(continued)Certain situations and events predisposeone to experiencing lateral violence in theworkplace. Usually individuals who are thetarget of lateral violence are:• New employees that may be coming intoan organization during times of changeand become a target because otherworkers who may feel vulnerable see thisindividual as a threat to their jobs.• Employees who have received apromotion or advancement and are seenas undeserving by other co-workers.• Younger employees who have moreeducation and training than olderworkers and are seen as a threat.• Members of families or friends of leaderswho are no longer in power positions.• Employees who are good at their job andpopular with people.The Effects of Lateral ViolenceOn a personal level, depending on theseverity of the lateral violence there are alot of health problems that can manifest forthe individual being targeted. They couldexperience:• Sleep disorders either not being able tosleep or not wanting to get out of bed inthe morning;• Changes in eating habits – either eatingmore or less or differently;• Weight loss or gain;• Moodiness – lack of sleep will usuallymean that you won’t be all that happy;• Self-doubt –you question all yourdecisions and abilities;• Decreased self confidence;• Feelings of worthlessness;• Forgetfulness;• Chronic anxiety;“When individualsfeel inferior, inadequateand afraid, they take on thequalities of the oppressor as away of acquiring strength andan illusion of power.”– Jane Middleton-Moz• Depression;• Emotional and teary eyed;• Higher absenteeism-not wantingto be at work; and• Weakening immune system – resultingin greater susceptibility to colds, flu andother illness.Because the individual may have noother employment options, as thelateral violence continues or gets worsethe individual may experience moreintense physical and emotional healthdeterioration. Some individuals end upon sick leave and long-term disability.In the extreme, it can end it suicide orviolent death.The costs to the organizationLateral violence not only affects theindividual who is experiencing it. It alsoimpacts other people in the organizationand community. Spending time rumourmongeringand gossiping costs theorganization money in terms of lackof productivity. Additionally, a toxicorganization also creates an atmospherein which there is:• High staff turnover• Loss of corporate history• Low morale• Decreased customer service• Increased financial costs• Increased absenteeism• Lack of teamwork• Unhealthy competitionpg. 4 Aboriginal Lateral Violence

For the individual:Sometimes it is difficult to do anythingabout the behaviour of others. If youfeel that you are being the target ofinappropriate behaviour you could:• Report the behaviour to the appropriatemanager in your workplace.• Keep a record of the negative behaviours.Make notes about the time, date, locationand any witnesses who may have seenthe incidents.• Address your concerns with the aggressorand ask them if they can stop.• Seek help and advice at work or in thecommunity. In the workplace, you mayhave a human resources manager, ormanager who can assist you in resolvingthe situation.• Speak to an Elder.• Seek external advice.• Seek the support of friends and family.For the Organization:Before you can create a healthierworkplace you have to first admit thatlateral violence exists. To address theissues associated with lateral violencemanagement could:• Admit that lateral violence exists.• Establish policy and procedures forlateral violence.• Have workshop sessions on lateralviolence.• Establish rules for civil meetings...no one can cut the other off.“Those most at risk of lateral violencein its raw physical form are familymembers and, in the main, thevulnerable members of the family:old people, women and children.Especially the children.”– Narcua LangtonNative Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) pg. 5

Looking for more information?Bearpaw Media Productions -- LateralViolence VideoThis is a documentary-drama takes a lookat lateral violence in our own Nations,communities, organizations and families.Hosted by Tantoo Cardinal, this LateralViolence video sheds a new light on an ageold topic – ourselves.www.bearpawmedia.ca/content.php?ID=15&prodid=72A YouTube clip of Rod Jefferies’ workshopon lateral violence in Winnipeg.www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOMJ6wynHUUNative Women’sAssociation of Canada1 Nicholas Street,Suite 900Ottawa, OntarioK1N 7B7T: 613-722-3033T: 1-800-461-4043F: 613-722-7687www.nwac.capg. 6 Aboriginal Lateral Violence