Stories ... In A Good Way: Recent Episodes
Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
Storytelling is an important cultural dynamic for many Indigenous people. Upon reflecting on what tools and resources would best serve and represent the Indigenous community in Idaho to build capacity for victim service providers, we made the decision offer these stories as a supplement to the Idaho Thriving Families webinar series that focuses on the Indigenous families impacted by domestic violence. The interview questions are based on the goals and objectives of the Idaho Thriving Families work plan as well as from input from tribal site victim service program directors. The questions also address the following grant goals:
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Improve systems and responses to abused parents and their children from underserved populations through the integration of a comprehensive anti-oppression and social equity framework to achieve positive change in state governmental systems that impact abused parents and their children exposed to domestic violence.
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Build capacity of the demonstration sites and statewide service providers to better serve parents and children impacted by domestic violence.
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Enhance evidence and practice informed strategies, advocacy and interventions for children and youth from underserved communities exposed to domestic violence.
Funding disclaimer: The production of this podcast was made possible by a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the interviewees and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families or those of the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.
Your podcast host is Tai Simpson, a Social Change Associate with the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.
Illustration by Elsie Cree.
Jade Stensgar-Mokry was invited to participate after Tai met her at a legislative reception. She's young. She’s 18 years old. She’s proving herself to be an outspoken leader, mindful of her community’s needs. She carries her culture … a true matriarch in the making. The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence takes the stance of intentionally centering young voices. Inviting Jade was our effort to ensuring a young person’s voice was heard as we try to change our narratives when we work with Indigenous families impacted by violence. Support this podcast
Bernie was invited to share her experience as an elder and as a matriarch, in addition to her role as a Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault victim services director. She built the program for the Schitsu'umsh nation, commonly known as the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, from the ground up which is unique. Her story combs through ALL of our Idaho Thriving Families grant themes which made our conversation robust. Much of our conversation requires little context, but is so steeped in knowledge for non-Native providers, that she could have her podcast. Fun fact: Tai Simpson's Auntie Simone and Bernie attended primary school together. When we talk about Indian Country being a small world, this is what we mean. Support this podcast
Otta was invited to our podcast to share a unique story that is often overlooked when it comes to victim services provision. Otta is 2 spirit. Otta’s pronouns are she/hers. Tai noticed in her time at the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, that they don’t create intentional spaces for 2 Spirit folks in our grant work. This was our small effort at doing so although the Coalition has so much work to do. Support this podcast
Tai asked Augustina to participate because of her enrollment status; it causes obstacles to service access, not just around violence intervention, but healthcare across the board. From the Idaho Thriving Family listening sessions last year, the Idaho Coalition heard four themes: Understanding Sovereignty & Jurisdiction, Our advocates as Matriarchs, Elders as mentors, and Access to ceremony. Augi’s story touches on all of those themes in a sobering and deeply powerful way. Support this podcast