In this episode, I chat with Nicole Matthews, CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition. She connects the crisis of sexual violence against Native women to its deeper roots — colonization, systemic oppression, racism, and sexism — and makes the case that real solutions must address these structural forces, not just their symptoms. She also highlights gaps in policy and tribal jurisdiction that leave many without protection.
Grounded in Indigenous values like respect, reciprocity, and community, Nicole shares a path forward centered on healing and prevention. From engaging men and boys to challenging harmful media narratives, her work emphasizes collective responsibility. Through initiatives like healing response teams and survivor support, she offers a vision of safety built not just through systems, but through culture, accountability, and care.
