Native Women HOPE SKC prevention task force seeks to empower women

By Lailani Upham

Salish Kootenai College Preventive Task Force presenter, Alana Bahe, explains the importance of using contraceptives correctly. If the letters are worn off on a condom packet; don't use, she explained to the participants. The contraceptive will not be effective if old or exposed to high heat as well, she said. (Lailani Upham photo)

PABLO — “We are here to talk about sex,” said Salish Kootenai College Prevention Task Force Director Niki Graham to a ladies group designed for the Native Women HOPE project. “We want to empower women to be strong, and know the consequences and give skills to protect themselves,” she said.

The main component of the HOPE Project is sexual health and was modeled from a curriculum used by the State Health Department for African American women, Graham said. It was a collaboration of several Indian reservation communities input in Montana to adapt the material to make it culturally sensitive for Native women, she said.

The group began in 2006, and is an on-going project that is held several times a year and targets a new group of women each time. “Every group is different. No one is a like.” Graham said.

HOPE, which stands for Honoring and Opportunity to Prevent and Empower, is primarily targeted to help prevent HIV, STI and STDs in Native American Women.

The program is funded from the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through a nation-wide grant called “In Community Spirit.”

Last year the program’s goal was to reach 100 women; 180 were reached, according to Graham. This year’s goal begins in September, is to reach 140 women through the program.

The activities in the two-day seminar are made up of multiple sessions presented by facilitators in a community-based setting. Most facilitators are within the Preventive Task Force staff, but on occasion guest speakers are invited to present on variety of topics.

The DOVES (Domestic Violence Education & Services) representatives presentation last week to the group explained precautions and steps to take when it comes to sexual assault, and to a major problem that is growing in the area: stalking.

DOVES, is a non-profit organization that serves the Lake County and Flathead Reservation. It is based on the philosophy that domestic and sexual violence is unacceptable. The staff of DOVES, provides culturally sensitive services, free of charge, including advocacy and support to victims and their children who are in abusive situations.

DOVES advocate Heidi Sanders said she found it interesting that few people know there are resources available out there for victims.

Graham said one of the activities is for the participants to write letters to their role models. “It’s pretty powerful when they put it in writing,” she said. The activity is a tool to remind women of who they are, Graham added.

Other skills taught are how to communicate both verbally and nonverbally in negotiation, and how to be assertive. “We teach how to say “no” through role playing. Discussions are encountered throughout the sessions as well,” according to Graham. “We allow participants to share stories because we all learn from stories,” she said.

OWH’s mission is to provide leadership to promote health equity for women and girls through sex/gender-specific approaches. The strategy OWH uses to achieve its mission and vision is developing innovative programs, educating health professionals, and motivating behavior change in consumers through the dissemination of health information.

“We got to start talking with our kiddos that our sexual health is sacred. Not to disrespect it, because consequences are life-long. We can make healthy decisions,” Graham said.

Participants receive $100 gift cards from Wal-Mart after completion of entire program. Gift card amounts vary due to funding.

For more information, call Alana Bahe at the SKC Prevention Task Force Nursing Department at (406) 275-4926.