The next MMIP Wind River meeting will be Monday, October 6 at 7PM via Zoom. You can request a Zoom link by emailing: mmipwindriver@gmail.com
National Night Out
MMIP Wind River, along with the Fremont County Law Enforcement Foundation and the American Red Cross, shared space at the Frontier Ambulance table at the National Night Out held in Riverton on August 5. Biggest thanks to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign for the materials for our section of the table. Wind River Cares Tribal Victim Services were also present at the event. And again, thanks to Ron Howard for permission to use his artwork for our banner!
Victim Trauma Presentations & Talking Circles
MMIP, Frontier Ambulance, and Tribal Victim Services are continuing to develop our Victim Trauma Presentations and Talking Circles. This program is not publicized for the security and safety of the clients and survivors who attend and share their stories, but we welcome any and all providers, counselors, advocates, and liaisons who serve victims of domestic violence and assault to reach out to us to be included and contribute their resources and information, and attend the presentations. Email mmipwindriver@gmail.com to connect with us!
Spotlight: Not Our Native Daughters
We are often asked how people can donate to help MMIP individuals and families. As MMIP Wind River is not a 501c3, there are groups and organizations that can be trusted, where the funds donated will be managed properly and distributed to those in need. One of those organizations is Not Our Native Daughters. Their mission statement says it all: "To end the trafficking, exploitation and murder of Indigenous Persons through education, policy change, coalition-building and strengthening indigenous capacities to address the endemic violence." They even have an online store where you can buy stickers, hoodies, t-shirts, gift cards, coffee mugs, and car decals. We know for a fact that the donations they receive truly do go to the victims and families who need it, and are used for exactly what their mission states. Thank you, NOND, for all you do!
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I attended White Buffalo Recovery Services' Mending Broken Hearts program this month. I can tell you right now, it was one of the most powerful experiences I've had as far as targeting hurt, anger, grief, and pain that is often held deep inside. There were no judgments, no preconceived expectations...and the forgiving of self and others was a powerful way to push the "reset button" and let go of so much of the pain that I didn't even realize I had. Being among others who were going through their own trials and suffering helped immensely in knowing that I was not alone. Though it can be difficult to come to grips with the pain inside, the lessons I learned were very applicable and healing.
Mending Broken Hearts sessions are every other month, and I highly recommend signing up for the next one. We share White Buffalo's posts on our Facebook page, and will definitely keep you updated on when their next one will be.
Besides coordinating the Victim Trauma program, I have also been busy in training with the American Red Cross of Wyoming and recently attended the DAT Summit in Cheyenne. I've also taken Fremont County Prevention's Suicide Prevention First Aid course earlier this year. I want to thank Frontier Ambulance for giving me the support, time, and opportunity to attend these events and trainings so I can be more effective in helping and working with our tribes and the communities of Fremont County.
Most of all, I am most humbled by the stories of our victim-survivors of domestic violence. As a survivor myself, I remember when I felt very alone and didn't know who I could trust, not even my own family. I didn't know of any resources or support groups. I remember feeling ashamed and embarrassed, not wanting to reach out to anyone. Silence, I felt, was my only option. But not anymore.
This is why supporting the organizations that provide much-needed services and resources is so important to the element in our mission statement of strengthening collaboration. You are not alone. There are those who want to help, and would move heaven and earth for you, if they only knew. So don't be afraid to seek the help you need. Just speaking out is a very, very brave thing to do, so say something, not nothing!
Always feel free to reach out!
Carol Harper
Project & Outreach Coordinator
MMIP Wind River
Email: mmipwindriver@gmail.com
