MVSKOKE RESERVATION – Painted Lady butterflies soared above the Okmulgee Community Garden after they were released by those who attended the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Center for Victim Services’ Second Annual Butterfly Release. The event took place on April 9, during National Crime Victims Rights Week. At the ceremony, attendees were each handed a cup containing a butterfly to release in honor of those who lost their life to violent crime. A list of loved ones and family members were read off during remarks from event organizers. A traditional Cedar Blessing was available after the butterflies were released.
The butterflies released were Painted Ladies (Vanessa Cardui) from the Euchee Butterfly Farm, a common species found in North America. The butterfly release was just one of several events hosted by the department for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
MCN Center for Victim Services Outreach Coordinator MaCaylin Autaubo (Wichita) says the idea to include the butterfly release to April’s slate of events came from a colleague with a butterfly connection.
“It came from our youth prevention specialist, she got the idea from the Euchee Butterfly Farm, she works closely with them in their personal time, she has family links to them,” Autaubo said. “This is one of the biggest months for our program because we are victim based. We work with survivors of sexual violence. We also address stalking and teen dating violence. We do our best to highlight domestic and sexual violence.”
MCN Center for Victim Services Health and Wellness Coordinator Morgan James (Mvskoke) says the best way to bring awareness to domestic and sexual violence issues is to talk about it openly.
“Talking about it and supporting the victims, letting them know that there are services available for them and supporting the programs that help the victims of the families.” James said.
Domestic violence is often underreported, making accurate statistical reporting hard to develop a true prevalence rate. When asked how to handle an ongoing domestic violence situation that a victim does not want to speak up on, James asserts the best way to start fixing the problem is to be present and listen.
“Honestly, it’s just being there for the survivors,” James said. “Letting them know that you are there and they can talk freely without judgement.”
Other events and services provided by the department include pop up booths at various locations across the Mvskoke Reservation, a Child Sexual Assault Awareness panel and honor walk at the College of the Muscogee Nation, and a Sexual Assault Awareness honor walk in Eufaula. According to Autaubo, those who call in needing help are treated as a priority.
“We have amazing advocates on our staff that are always here to help with whatever needs you may have. It’s almost as if they practically drop everything that they’re doing and they go wherever the call is coming from.” Autaubo said.
The department’s 24/7 emergency crisis line can be reached at 918-732-7979. For a full list of events hosted by the department, visit their Facebook page.
