We Are the Movement: 2026 WSCADVSA Conference: Full Schedule

This year’s conference honors the people who built this movement, and the people continuing to carry it forward. For generations, survivors, advocates, organizers, and community members have created safety, support, and change together. Their lived experience, knowledge, and care have shaped this work from the very beginning. Join us for two days of connection, learning, and envisioning what’s possible when we build safety, healing, and belonging together.

Speaker and workshop announcements coming soon! For more information, please see our FAQ page or contact us at [email protected].

For more information about the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, visit our website.

10:30am PDT

Creating Medicine Shields

Monday September 28, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Advocates will create their own Medicine Shield in this hands-on workshop. Medicine Shields have long served as symbols of protection and strength within Native traditions, including all cultures. This session invites participants to discuss how incorporating cultural practices like this one into their work can support resilience, self-care, and a deeper, more culturally responsive connection to the communities they serve.

Limit 25 participants. All are welcome, but we particularly encourage Native advocates and advocates who work primarily with Native survivors to join this session.

Speakers

Arlene Red Elk

Yeha:wi Healing Journey Facilitator, Mother Nation

Elder Arlene Red Elk (Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe) is Lead Facilitator and master designer of the Circle of Life workshop series. She specializes in multi-abuse trauma of violence against women and is well known across Indian Country as designer of services such as the original Ina... Read More →

Bridgette Light

Yeha:wi Healing Journey Co-Facilitator, Mother Nation

Bridgette (Jamestown S’klallam Tribe) joined Mother Nation in 2023 to assist Elder Arlene Red Elk with the Yeha:wi Healing Journey. She is a member of the Jamestown S’klallam Tribe and a holistic nutritionist currently studying plant medicine and indigenous food pathways. Bridgette worked for her Tribe for several yea... Read More →

Monday September 28, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT

Workshop

Topic domestic violence, sexual assault, culturally specific advocacy, Native-led advocacy, hands-on workshop, self-care/sustainable practice

3:30pm PDT

Developmental Dreamcatcher Workshop for Advocates

Tuesday September 29, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT

In this interactive workshop, advocates create their own Developmental Dreamcatcher, with each bead representing a milestone from their career journey in advocacy to where they are today. The activity is grounded in Indigenous teachings on growth and healing, drawing a direct line between the clinical practice of trauma-informed advocacy and the cultural traditions that have long supported healing in Native communities. Participants leave not only with a meaningful handmade item, but with a renewed, culturally grounded sense of purpose in their advocacy work they can take home or bring to their office.

Limit 25 participants. All are welcome, but we particularly encourage Native advocates and advocates who work primarily with Native survivors to join this session.

Speakers

Martin Spotted Bear

Waatunwan Case Manager, Mother Nation

Martin (Blackfeet Nation) brings experience in social work to his calling to implement Trauma-Informed Care with a cultural approach to assist Native people struggling from chronic homelessness. He is a believer in utilizing traditional values to advocate for the Indigenous communities... Read More →

Shanna Howtopat

MMIWP Advocate, Mother Nation

Shanna is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation and descended from the Umatilla and Warm Springs tribes. She is experienced in the legal field and her calling has been to advocate for her Native people through local, state, and tribal systems. She is honored to be a MMIP Advoca... Read More →

Zoey Martin

Yeha:wi DV Advocate, Mother Nation

Zoey (Taino, Peruvian) is a Yeha:wi service advocate, providing help to our relatives who are fleeing domestic violence. She also works at the Spirit Journey House advocating for our sisters that are in recovery. She believes it is such an honor to be a part of this good work and... Read More →