Indigenous infant development: Reconciling the past and grounding future praxis in Indigenous worldviews and...

The past quarter century of infant development research has seen a marked lack of attention paid to Indigenous populations. This narrative review outlines the empirical literature on infant and early childhood health among Indigenous families in the United States and Canada, within the context of intergenerational trauma and government policies that have contributed to social and health inequities across the lifespan. We illuminate a woven throughline toward traditional pathways for healing and amplify the critical value of transitioning from deficit-based to strength-based models. To address these inequities we outline theories, frameworks, and approaches to advance our understanding of Indigenous infant development and kinship systems. Specifically, historical trauma brings forward the need to support Indigenous infant development within ancestral contexts. Additionally, decolonial perspectives within the fields of infant development and child welfare are needed in recognition of the harm caused by Western frameworks and to highlight the strengths of Indigenous-led approaches. For example, the Indigenous connectedness framework identifies the significance of environmental, community, family, intergenerational, and spiritual connection for healthy development. Decolonized perspectives and Indigenous theories support the revitalization of Indigenous birth justice practices which uplift community-led efforts. Indigenous worldviews and applications regarding infant development and generational healing are highlighted.