MMIP Wind River Update ~ December 2025

I believe in teamwork, and one of the things I love about where I live is that there are some great people in our communities, agencies, and organizations who share that same belief. You just have to find the right people who are doing the right things for the right reasons, with the right attitude(s). When you have those elements, great things are in store, and progress happens.

At the Wyoming MMIP Task Force's Winter MMIP Community Meeting on December 3, I provided an update on the projects and events MMIP Wind River has developed and been involved with over the past year. Our main projects and outreach have been on the issues of Human Trafficking, Victim Trauma (assault, domestic violence, etc.), and Suicide Prevention. I've met some wonderful people along the way, doing amazing things. These are the unsung heroes who are doing great work, boots on the ground, right where they stand.

Approaching the Issues

My approach this year has been to research and be a part of what is already in place and already working...but to also be able to take some steps back and look at where the bottlenecks might be. Funding and board/staff cuts can impede progress. Sometimes there is a lack of support and resources. Waiting lists, weeks/months out, for key services. Breaking and broken systems can allow the problems to continue, wrought with a history of ineffective solutions. There is a lack of communication and inaccessibility to leaders who are assigned the responsibility(ies) to achieve important tasks that can often fall between the cracks, or are hung up in the status quo. And there are also people and powers-that-be that don't want to see you succeed in battling the beasts that plague our tribes and border towns. Last of all, there are so many who are living in fear...fear of criminals and offenders, fear of being on the edge of hopelessness, fear of taking those fragile steps into the unknown, not knowing if they'll live or die.

Addressing these bottlenecks can be discouraging and frustrating, and sometimes it feels like you're taking three steps forward, five steps back. But in the middle of it all, you find like-minded, encouraging people who have a great desire to help and partner. Even then, you might find yourself going three steps forward, one step back...but hey, at least that's progress!

The key is to believe and never give up. Find your tribe, find your circle. Approach with respect and compassion. Have the mindset of encouraging each other, lifting each other up. Don't divide and tear others down to build yourself up. If you do that, you become a part of the problem, not the solution. Because the wider the divide, the more difficult it is to make an impact and solve the very problems we speak out about.

Listen. Learn. Love. Grow...across the borders.

One of the things I hold fast to is that MMIP is for everyone. Even with the disproportionate amount of crime on reservations across the nation, the incidents that can lead up to MMIP are not discriminating by race, color, gender, religion, etc., and our EMTs and Paramedics that serve Fremont County and the WRIR know this and see it every day. Alcohol and substance abuse-related crimes, domestic violence and assaults, bullying, physical and mental health issues that can lead to suicidal ideations? I know I repeat this a lot, but the truth is, it's everywhere, in every area, community, town, and city. We can't turn a blind eye to it because these are the beasts that need to be conquered from within, and it starts with each one of us, regardless of race or what side of the border we live on.

For us to be effective in the MMIP cause, we need to take the time to find healing within our own selves, so we can use our experiences for the good of others. Because if we don't truly deal with the demons that hold us bound, all the messaging in the world about MMIP would be in vain, and it just becomes a lot of noise...where we barely exist behind masks that hide the hurt, grief and anger; perpetuatie the division, or where we become a clanging noise that drowns out the sweet singing and pulsing beats of our Mother Earth, the source of Life.

There are many resources available to begin the healing. White Buffalo Recovery, Fremont County Prevention Services, Fremont Alliance, Eagles Hope, Not our Native Daughters...these organizations and programs already exist to serve across borders, and yes...some of them struggle with the problems I mentioned above. They might be underfunded, understaffed, or struggling to survive, trying to repair or maintain their existence. But that doesn't mean we ever give up; it means we step up! We support, encourage, and build because we see the need in our own selves and in others.

It also doesn't mean we'll never be discouraged and slip back a few steps. But with these existing programs and circles that have the right people doing the right things for the right reasons with the right attitudes, we can listen to these cheerleaders who are in our corners, learn how to trust and love again, grow and build bridges...and all the while, be stronger for it.

If you would like to be a part of a team that is about strengthening collaboration, providing resources, and improving response - our MMIP mission and vision - please feel free to reach out to me at mmipwindriver@gmail.com. I would love to meet with you and talk about how you can help, right where you stand.

Prayers going up for a New Year filled with hope and strength of spirit...even against the odds!

Carol Harper

'Sweet Singing Woman'
Project & Outreach Coordinator
MMIP Wind River
MMIPWindRiver.org

Strengthening Collaboration.

Providing Resources.

Improving Response.

MMIP Wind River Update - November 2025

This month I traveled to Washington, D.C. as an American Ambulance Association Stars of Life recipient and spoke with Wyoming's representative and senators on the issues that plague our area of Wyoming, namely, Fremont County and the Wind River Indian Reservation. Being frank and honest with them about the problems and scenes that first responders see every day in the county and our tribes not only sheds much light on the subject of the missing and murdered, but also the events that lead up to and impact those situations, namely...domestic violence, battery, sexual assaults, substance abuse, mental illness, human trafficking, and suicide/suicidal ideations. It's all connected, and the more we come to a better understanding of the realities of what is hurting us, we can begin to put into action the things that will heal us.

I also spoke with several EMTs and paramedics from other states in the U.S., and they, too, have come upon and have struggled with the same terrible scenes. In my group were some EMTs from Arizona, a Four Corners state that includes a large region of the Navajo Nation. Serving the cities and border towns on and near reservation lands is a unique challenge, but the problems are the same. "What can we do?" is the question that is always asked in frustration and discouragement. My answer was that we were all here receiving this award for a reason, and those reasons are what got us here. Keep on doing what you're doing, because what we're doing is caring. What better thing is there, when caring is already a part of the job?

October was Domestic Violence Awareness month, and MMIP Wind River was pleased to share several posts not only on awareness, but also to provide some methods to break the cycle and give hope to victim survivors...to know that they are not alone, and that there are people who care and resources to help. They just need to choose it, and things can be set in motion.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

One of the things that has and does impact our county and tribes is suicide. MMIP is not just about cases dealing with criminal intent; it is also about the causes of death and dying. Victims of assault and abuse suffer from fear, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. There can often be alcohol and substance abuse involved. There can be social and mental health issues.

As a suicide survivor, I didn't just wake up one morning and decide to kill myself. It was years and years in the making of feeling worthless, not good enough, that the abuse was my fault. The pressure of having to put on the happy mask for everyone, when inside I was dying. It was the feeling of having nowhere to turn, nowhere to go, no one I could really talk to, being embarrassed and ashamed. I attempted suicide twice...once, I broke a bottle and cut my wrists. The second time, I took a whole bottle of pills that I knew I was allergic to. I was in the throes of such a deep depression and despair that I felt that death would be better than living with the physical, verbal, mental, and emotional abuse any longer.

After getting out of the hospital, I was still very numb to life, but I can honestly say that it was my children who saved me. I had to survive for them, and had to do the things that were difficult, but necessary for them. Separation and divorce are hard on kids, but sometimes it's the only choice that a mother can make for her children to have hope and be strong for the sake of their own futures. 

Suicide not only has an enormous impact on families, friends, loved ones, and first responders, but it also has an impact on the Last Responder: the Coroner. Just one life lost creates a ripple effect throughout our entire communities and the world. It creates deep, dark holes in our hearts that never go away. Again, the reason that MMIP even exists isn't just limited to criminal intentions. They are the underlying issues that I relayed to our legislators...the ones that our first responders see every day. There are reasons why someone chooses to take their own life. There are reasons why a child or teenager is taken or trafficked. It can be circumstantial and situational. And it starts in the home, at schools, on the playground, even at church.

This Saturday, there is an event at the Fremont County Fairgrounds in the Little Wind Building (see below). There are good people and local resources available, and I encourage you to attend, or at least stop by for a bit to get some information.

The mission of MMIP Wind River is Strengthening Collaboration, Providing Resources, and Improving Response. This event is proof that our communities are collaborating on these very important issues and are active in providing resources. I am doing my best to help improve the response by being a part of several teams and organizations that understand the need for actions that can segue into these provided resources. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to choose them, but you can help by knowing about them, sharing them, and pointing your family, friends, and loved ones in the right direction.

Carol Harper
Project & Outreach Coordinator
MMIPwindriver.org

Email: mmipwindriver@gmail.com

MMIP Wind River

MMIP Wind River Update: October 2025

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: So Many Reasons

As I've spoken with and interviewed victim survivors through the years, the question that is asked by so many of their friends and loved ones has been:

"Why did you stay? Why didn't you say something??"

I remember my own family saying that if they "had only known", they could have helped me. But there are many reasons why victims are silent:

• They're living under threat or ultimatums from their abuser. "If you tell anyone, I'll kill you..." or "If you tell anyone, I'll make your life and theirs a living hell."
• They have been isolated and might not know anyone in their neighborhood or town, or know if they could trust anyone who could listen to or help them. Plus, abusers often control who their victims can and cannot see or be friends with. 
• They're afraid that no one will believe them, because their abuser wears a different mask in public settings, or may be a respected person or public figure.
• They've been gaslighted so many times, they begin to think that they're the crazy ones.
• They're financially dependent on their abuser. They also may live in a "Stockholm-Syndrome" type of environment, where they've learned to accept the assault and abuse as normal, even to the point of defending their abuser (such as in the case of sex or human trafficking).
• They're ashamed and afraid. They may have been repeatedly humiliated, embarrassed, and broken...a lost sense of 'pride'.
  

There can be so many reasons why victims don't speak up, each unique to their own situation. Maybe they want to leave, but have no place to go...no safe place to live, no sustainability options. No house or apartment, no food, no job...or maybe they do have a job, but no child care or transportation to get to and from their job.

They fear just even thinking about their options. The feelings of hopelessness can overwhelm them to (on top of the abuse) suffer with depression, constant anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, fatigue, self-infliction...they can also get to the point of suicidal ideation, thinking that death would be better than living with their abuser.

Below I've listed some numbers for victims of domestic violence, but understand that victims might not call any number for as many reasons or all as listed above, or more! Maybe their phone has been taken away from them, or it's being tracked. So "see something, say something" definitely comes into play, but most of all...do something! Not just talking about doing something...actually do something to help. Check up on your neighbors, your friends, your loved ones. Don't be shy; ask the questions. Show that you care and can be trusted. Report if you know, suspect or see an incident in progress. Call 911.

Survivors know. That is why MMIP Wind River has been working with Frontier Ambulance and Tribal Victim Services in creating a private network of support specifically for victims of domestic violence, physical/sexual assault, and abuse. Real support. Local support, by people who will listen, will care, and help get them on the right road towards healing.

Domestic violence, assault, and abuse are at epidemic proportions in our tribes and border towns. Our first responders know this. It's important work that we ALL must do, every single day, when it comes to community safety. To learn more about how you can help and/or be a part of our local network, or if you would like us to give our presentation to your agency, group or organization, please call or text me at 307-855-5190 or email: mmipwindriver@gmail.com.

Don't just survive. Live. Heal. Thrive.

Carol Harper

Project & Outreach Coordinator

MMIP Wind River
mmipwindriver.org

Permission for photo from Randy Tucker, County 10

National Indigenous Domestic Violence Hotline (NIDVH)

1-844-762-8483

StrongHearts Native Helpline

1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483)

Domestic Violence Support Line

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Riverton Police Department Anonymous Tip Line

307-857-7755

MMIP Wind River Update: September 2025

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!

__________________

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

mmipwindriver.org

Email: mmipwindriver@gmail.com