MCN CVS Offers Women's Empowerment Support Group

Monthly sessions provide healing through artistic expression and community for survivors of domestic and sexual violence

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:25pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration of a traditional Native American beaded necklace repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the colorful, artistic nature of the MCN CVS support group sessions.The MCN CVS Women's Empowerment Support Group provides a vibrant, creative outlet for survivors to connect through shared cultural practices and experiences.Okmulgee Today

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Center for Victim Services (MCN CVS) is hosting a monthly Women's Empowerment Support Group for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The sessions, held in Okmulgee and McIntosh County, aim to provide a safe, supportive space for women to express themselves through artistic activities like beadwork, vision boards, and basket weaving, rather than traditional talk therapy.

Why it matters

Native American women face disproportionately high rates of domestic and sexual violence, with Oklahoma ranking second in the nation for women losing their lives to domestic abuse. The MCN CVS support group offers a culturally-grounded, trauma-informed approach to healing that brings survivors together in community.

The details

The 'Akvwapukulke' (uplifting and supporting) sessions allow women to 'tell without talking' about their experiences through artistic expression. Supplies and dinner are provided, and the sessions are facilitated by instructors rather than having a traditional speaker format. Participants are encouraged to share their stories if they feel comfortable, but the focus is on the shared experience of healing in a safe, confidential space.

  • The monthly support group sessions began years ago at MCN CVS.
  • Sessions are currently held in Okmulgee and McIntosh County.

The players

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Center for Victim Services (MCN CVS)

A program that provides resources and support services to victims of crime, including a monthly Women's Empowerment Support Group for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Tania Barden

The Assistant Director of MCN CVS, who says the support group sessions aim to bring people together who share commonalities and provide a culturally-grounded, healing experience.

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What they’re saying

“Artistic expression can be simple, yet empowering experience of 'telling without talking' about abuse and seeks to enhance survivor's skills of self-care, connection with others and a connection to their own body, mind, and spirit.”

— MCN CVS

“It's something that unites people together, it's a safe space for people to be together that have experienced a very traumatic thing, and a lot of times they connect and they make friends. It's a really beautiful thing.”

— Tania Barden, Assistant Director, MCN CVS

What’s next

MCN CVS is currently looking to hire a Wellness Coordinator to provide more ideas and expand the support group sessions. The program also plans to continue offering virtual group sessions in addition to in-person meetings.

The takeaway

By providing a safe, supportive, and culturally-relevant space for Native American women to heal from domestic and sexual violence through artistic expression and community, the MCN CVS support group aims to address the disproportionately high rates of gender-based violence in Oklahoma's Indigenous communities.