Living in Two Worlds-Unpacking Institutional and Policy Inequities Through Story

Elizabeth Coleman, is a 21-year-old student at Western Washington University. She is deeply passionate about inclusivity and currently working on her major in Inclusive Teaching with a minor in Disability and Advocacy, alongside pursuing an Elementary Education teaching endorsement.    Outside of her studies, she works as a dementia caregiver, bringing empathy and patience to her roles.   In her free time, she enjoys beading and crocheting. Her commitment to education and advocacy extends beyond the classroom to her work, where I strive to create supportive environments for those she cares for. With a heart for service and a dedication to learning, she is navigating a path that blends education and caregiving, aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Tammy Cooper-Woodrich (Skwetsla’tse’emo’t), Nooksack Tribal elder, has been a Tribal Storyteller since 1985.  She has told stories to many people throughout Washington State in many different institutions and agencies. She was invited to Port Stephens, Australia and was able to share her stories with several city and aboriginal Tribal Councils along with several schools, from daycare to high schools through the ‘We Share a Story Program.’   She is currently a North Intertribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program (NIVRP) Counselor for the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, serving Federally Recognized American Indians with permanent disabilities.  Her household has been responsible for 11 children over the past 30 years.  She is a mother of 4 grown children, has 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.   Tammy will be sharing her knowledge of cultural sensitivity training and Tribal Stories speaking to her tribal heritage.  She will also share how her position as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with NIVRP has allowed for her clients to come back to the work force while getting support related in a traditional and cultural manner.

Angela Letoi (Skwetslatse’elho’t/Si’li’xw’tunawt) is a member of the Nooksack Indian Tribe and has Lummi ancestry.  She has been with her husband Tulaga for 4 years and has 6 children and two grandsons.  She decided to follow her mother’s footsteps and began telling stories in 2017 while attending college at Northwest Indian College.   She works as an indigenous caregiver specializing in dementia and end-of-life care as well as being Executive Director of the newly formed non-profit, Healing Through Hope, and enjoys spending time with her elders and her Grandsons, Braxton Jay and Maverick Ry.

Melody Woodrich, Community Programs Director, Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) and Wisdom Warriors co-creator. She has a passion for person-centered, community supported, health & wellness activities along with supporting people to receive the care and support needed to live in a meaningful way. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Antioch University. Melody was raised and continues to reside within the Nooksack tribal community with her children, Elizabeth and Brahnan. In her free time, she can be found gathering plants and making traditional medicines, supporting youth sports and activities, cooking for the community, and engaging in cultural events.