Building Bridges: Supporting Indigenous Communities in Utah

Join us for a crucial discussion on the unique challenges faced by Indigenous individuals and communities in Utah affected by sexual violence. This webinar will provide a space for learning culturally relevant approaches to healing and prevention. We will cover topics such as historical trauma, intergenerational impacts, and culturally grounded healing practices. This webinar will offer insights and resources for survivors, advocates, and community members working towards a future free from sexual violence.

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Our presenters

RAW is a Utah 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to end violence and support healing in our Indigenous communities. We advocate for healthy relationships; educate our communities on issues surrounding stalking, domestic, sexual, dating, and family violence; collaborate with Great Basin community members and stakeholders to honor and strengthen traditional values of all our relations.

Nicoletta Brown

Nicoletta Brown is a proud member of the Northern Arapaho tribe from the Wind River Reservation in Central Wyoming.

As a trailblazer and first-generation college student, Nicoletta earned an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Central Wyoming College. Building on this foundation, Nicoletta earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Criminology from Utah Tech University. Her commitment to excellence led her to achieve a Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma in May of 2023.

With a passion for advocacy, Nicoletta is deeply dedicated to supporting Native American and Tribal communities. Nicoletta utilizes her extensive education to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of tribal communities and embodies a commitment to positive change.

Tyrell Forrest

Tyrell Forrest is Northern Pomo and grew up in Sonoma County, California.

Tyrell’s formal education was in pre-med and his passion for social work came from a family history of helping and servicing underrepresented communities. His grandparents were LGBTQIA2S+ advocates in San Francisco during the AIDS epidemic of the 80’s and worked with immigrant communities all over the Bay Area. His parents always emphasized the importance of helping and supporting others, which is why much of his family has and does work in medicine and as first responders.

After working in medicine himself, Tyrell began his social work career as a Case Manager in a Housing First pilot program. Since then, he has worked at multiple non-profits in homeless services, and finally as a Director for a DV/SA shelter. He is certified in Core Advocacy Training from the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the UDVC and is trained as an on-scene sexual assault responder.

Tyrell is excited to use his passion for helping others and apply it to our relatives in the Great Basin Native communities.