ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the theory of postapocalypse stress syndrome (PASS) and examines two other ideas about the experience of Native Americans: historical trauma response and the soul wound. PASS is a theory that attempts to capture the ensuing results of an apocalyptic event. However, it must be noted that since PASS involves institutional structures as well as religious concerns, the phenomenon should not be thought of simply as post traumatic stress disorder becoming pandemic in a society. And, in fact, many of the features associated with PASS were evident in Europe as well, such as an abandonment of employment and fanatical forms of religious practice. The experience of both Native Americans and Europeans indicates the usefulness of the theory of PASS in helping us understand what happens to societies that suffer such a major shock it permanently alters them. Thus, one result of the soul wound suffered by Native Americans, is that "harmony has become discord".
