Aboriginal Outfitters has joined forces with the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH) to develop a crucial online course addressing domestic violence within the Colville Reservation community.
This collaboration merges Aboriginal Outfitters’ deep understanding of Indigenous culture and local needs with NCDVTMH’s expertise in trauma-informed approaches to domestic violence prevention and intervention. We are fortunate to engage with Victoria (Tori) Wynecoop-Abrahamson, NCDVTMH’s Training and Technical Assistance Manager, who is a Spokane Tribal member and has close connections with the Colville Reservation. She has previously provided suicide prevention and harm reduction training to the area.
The course, scheduled to launch late 2025, will focus on domestic violence awareness, literacy, prevention, and harm reduction strategies specific to the challenges that people in North Central Washington currently face.
Key features include:
- Culturally relevant content addressing domestic violence in Indigenous communities
- Interactive modules on recognizing signs of domestic violence and supporting survivors
- Prevention strategies that incorporate traditional values and practices
- Harm reduction techniques tailored to the unique challenges of rural reservation life
- Resources for survivors, allies, and community members seeking to address domestic violence
“When I ran for Miss CCT, domestic violence awareness was a part of my platform. As a survivor myself, I know the challenges and feelings connected to experiencing abuse. This course is a vital step towards breaking the cycle of domestic violence in our community,” said Joy Abrahamson, Executive Director at Aboriginal Outfitters. “By engaging with NCDVTMH and Tori’s expertise, we’re creating a resource that truly speaks to our people’s experiences and needs.”
The online format ensures accessibility, allowing community members to engage with this sensitive material at their own pace and in privacy. This approach is particularly valuable given the personal nature of the topic and the unique challenges of addressing domestic violence in close-knit rural communities.
Both organizations are committed to ongoing collaboration with the Colville Reservation community to ensure the course respects cultural values while effectively addressing domestic violence.
For more information about the course and how to participate, please email us at [email protected].
