Wabanaki women lead self-defense workshops amid violence crisis

Wabanaki women on the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians reservation in Maine are participating in self-defense workshops organized by Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness, according to Maine Public. The classes, led by MiMi Tarshus and Clara Porter of Prevention, Action, Change, teach participants to recognize threats, de-escalate situations and strike attackers effectively. The program focuses on Indigenous women and two-spirit people, addressing the disproportionate rates of violence against Native women.

Crisis response manager Lena Newell said the workshops also provide support for families affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women. Tribal Chief Clarissa Sabattis noted that recent federal restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, as well as budget cuts to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, may hinder efforts to combat violence. Participants, including Barbara Haynes and her granddaughter, said the training empowers them to protect themselves and challenge cycles of violence in their communities.