Kola
TW (Trigger warning) // Discussions of sexual assault and domestic violence
“Being a woman is exactly that, BEING. Being valued, being empowered, being strong, being love.”
Kola is fiercely resilient. She’s a survivor of abuse and sexual assault who is working to empower women with the necessary skills to ensure that they can get home safely. Determined to combat the rates of violence against Native American women, Kola established the “The Wisáwca Project”. This is an initiative which offers self-defence and safety training for women, enabling them to uncover their own strength and realize themselves as warriors. Kola herself is an MMA fighter and a brown belt. She’s also a dance instructor and a mother to three. Kola is a dedicated, driven, and courageous leader. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
K: My name is Kola Shippentower Thompson. My indian name is "Tumhiya". I'm from Nixyaawii country, in Eastern Oregon. I'm an enrolled tribal member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. I'm 32 years old, a Gemini & an Enneagram 3W2. I'm married with 3 boys. I'm a professional fighter in MMA, with a Brown Belt in BJJ under Professors Gustavo Pries & Jeremy Harrington, from Siri BJJ. I'm a Turn Up Dance Fitness Instructor, teaching since April 2020. Most notably, I'm an advocate for MMIW/R. As a survivor of domestic violence & sexual assault, I created & developed a safety plan in hopes of decreasing & minimizing the statistics of violence against Indigenous Women. As founder of the Wisawca Project, it is my goal to empower & uplift not only Indigenous Women but everyone & anyone willing to advocate for growth & change, in regards to fighting this rising epidemic.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
K: Courageously Strong. Unapologetically Resilient. Phenomenally Indigenous. Beautifully Fierce. Boldly Passionate. Authentically Driven.
Mother. Wife. Sister. Daughter. Auntie. Fighter. Speaker. Warrior. Force. Alive.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
K: Creator has gifted me with this unique ability of pissing people off. Humbly, of course. The direction for this anger is never personal. I've learned to approach people in such a way that invites them to think outside of the box, I challenge them to open their heart & mind to other possibilities or perspectives. The anger, tension or discomfort cultivates change, growth & progress.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
K: Imagine...An 18 year old Native girl, living on the Rez. Physically, mentally & emotionally unhealthy. She struggled in every way possible. She drank to feel, she drank to numb, she drank to forget, she drank to darkness.
Her body was a trap, she didn't feel at home or safe. Her body was a part of the problem, she felt worthless, she felt heavy, she felt sick.
He didn't help. His words tore through her heart like razor blades, cutting away what little confidence she had. His actions took a heavy toll. Her body was battered & bruised. She often woke up on the floor or sidewalk, unable to recall how she ended up there, only to be berated again by an assault of fists & insults. How much longer could she endure all of this? No one was coming to save her, no one was coming to give her a hand up, no one was coming to her rescue. Creator opened a door for this boy to finally leave. And once he left a brief moment of silence fell upon the girl.
There she was alone, damaged & lost. Slowly emotions began to rage on, denial, confusion, anger, resentment. She wanted something, she wasn't sure what. She wandered, drinking even more, causing her pain to project & extend.
Words fell upon her heart, "Tumhiya, you have to forgive to move forward. No, you won't get the apology you deserve, but you can't hold onto this. These feelings will turn you ugly. Forgive. Move forward". Shaken, she moved swiftly, in every random direction until her gaze came upon a building. The building laid on the border to her homelands. When she walked through the door, she could smell the sweat, the rubber mats, the metal chains swinging, she heard deep exhales & leather snaps. Strangely, she felt at peace & at home. Over time she would learn that she in fact, was a fighter, a warrior.
She would take on challenges that would push her to the very edge, only to find herself jumping to flight! She would find the strength she carried her entire life, she would realize her resiliency knew no bounds. She was capable, she was valued, she was important. She learned that she had a voice, and it was loud, it was powerful & people listened. Where she once had her light dimmed, she now shone bright. She would shake every room she walked into, she would have her hand raised over & over. She overcame, she rose above.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
K: Never give negativity the satisfaction; your spirit is much stronger than any ugliness in this world.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
K: Being a woman is exactly that, BEING. Being valued, being empowered, being strong, being love.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say if they were here now?
K: My Eetsa (Mom) has ALWAYS inspired & motivated to DO BETTER & BE BETTER. She took a child no one wanted, gave her a home, gave her love & gave her everything.
There are no words for the immense connection or love I have for this woman, I owe her everything and won't take any day for granted. It's because of her, that I'm here today.