Meet Naomie Peasley. She is a Survivor. A Teacher. And a beacon for Hope. She shows us how it’s possible to move from victimhood to accountability one day at a time.
In today’s episode we sit down with Naomie Peasley, a Colville Tribal member from the Okanogan Valley. She shares about her life growing up on the reservation, surviving abuse, poverty, generational trauma, and her own alcoholism. With a non-Native mom and a Tribal member father she tells what it was like to straddle both worlds.
We talk about the unique struggles of a people who carry so much pain and trauma, knowing how and when to honor that pain and when to move forward with empowered choices to heal and prosper in healthy communities.
Her super power is eliminating excuses for people who need help but can’t quite seem to see, or walk the path, she now walks.
Listeners this conversation is REAL. We talk about the colonization of the Native American people in our region. We talk about the abuse that happened in local boarding schools. We talk about the horrifying statistics of abuse, alcoholism and suicide for Tribal members.
Yes this may land hard, and maybe that's ok. Maybe we can offer our open hearts and minds to listen to the stories of our Native neighbors, like Naomie. To honor the people who's land we live on, who still live here, whose stories are ready to be heard.
In the midst of this painful reality, trust me when I say, Naomie's story is one of hope. She is a passionate helper in our regional communities and her story will remind you of what potential lies in us all. You won’t want to miss her message —today.
Bio:
Naomie Peasley is a proud member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, and a member of the Sinixt Nation. Born and raised in Omak, Washington, she carries deep roots in her community and a lifelong commitment to giving back.
After earning her bachelor’s degree from Lewis-Clark State College, Naomie returned home to serve the place that shaped her. Her professional journey has included roles such as managing the Okanogan County Fairgrounds and helping with fire recovery efforts there, as well as working for the Intertribal Agriculture Council to help Tribal producers navigate USDA programs.
Today, she serves as the Tribal Engagement Manager with Thriving Together NCW, where she works alongside the Tribe and partners to support efforts that support healthy communities. She also wears the volunteer hat for many different groups. Naomie stays actively involved in her community by coaching youth, referring basketball, volunteering on local boards, supporting youth events, and organizing gatherings that create connection, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.
While her career and community involvement reflect her deep commitment to service, Naomie considers motherhood her most important role. She is a proud mom to two teenage daughters who attend Brewster High School and keep her busy year-round with sports and activities. Outside of work, their family cares for a 20-acre farm where they raise hay, horses, pigs, and lambs—staying grounded in the land and the values it represents.
Naomie’s journey has not been without challenges. Having faced and overcome significant hardships, she now uses her experiences to uplift others. She is deeply committed to showing her children—and her community—that resilience, growth, and hope are always possible.
Resources:
1. St. Mary's Mission: A news report on the Omak Catholic Indian Boarding School
2. Only 7 Seconds: Local non-profit addressing youth loneliness by encouraging and empowering individuals & partners to connect with others who matter in their lives.
