PROTECTING FAMILIES

Cherokee Nation ONE FIRE empowers victims, provides a shelter in the storm and strives to end intergenerational violence

By Katelynn Bowden

Becke Rodriquez knows what it’s like to take the first steps toward breaking the silence that often accompanies domestic violence. Rodriquez eventually turned to Cherokee Nation’s innovative ONE FIRE Victim Services program for help.

“It was truly eye opening for someone to believe me after I had been conditioned in the violence to blame everything on myself,” she said.

“Through ONE FIRE, I was able to start having a voice and gaining confidence a little at a time.”

The mission of ONE FIRE — an acronym for “Our Nation Ending

Fear, Intimidation, Rape, and Endangerment” — is to empower victims by giving them the tools they need to rebuild their lives and become the strong individuals they were created to be. ONE FIRE also strives to effect social change through outreach and education in order to put an end to intergenerational violence.

“Without ONE FIRE, I would not be where I am today,” said Chyla Cockrum, a former client of ONE FIRE. “They have helped me in so many ways. I was able to gain the mental strength I needed to get back on my own two feet, and their