Listen to Speaking Our Truth Podcast, Ep. 9 Featuring NIWRC's Gwendolyn Packard

Each year in October, advocates from tribes, programs, shelters, and communities from across the country come together to raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). On Episode 9 of Speaking Our Truth, Podcast for Change, we will talk about the origins of DVAM with NIWRC's Gwendolyn Packard, a survivor of domestic violence who has worked in Indian country as a writer, a grassroots organizer, and activist. Hear more about joining in the efforts to support survivors of violence throughout the year on our latest episode of NIWRC's new podcast. Tune in for new episodes each week throughout October! 

Sign Up for 10/21 Webinar Focused on Advocacy for Indigenous Survivors

Advocacy for survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) requires an understanding of the dynamics and tactics of IPV. This understanding is also necessary for advocacy for social change to end domestic violence. NIWRC's next webinar, scheduled for October 21, from 1-2:30 p.m. MT, will provide an overview of the root causes of domestic violence in Indigenous communities. It will also explain the dynamics and tactics of IPV from a survivor’s perspective. Highlighted in this webinar is the importance of traditional, cultural practices in strengthening and building our capacity to provide effective, respectful advocacy with our relatives surviving IPV and other forms of domestic violence. It is our goal to bring light to the experiences of survivors and clarify the priorities and role of advocates from an Indigenous, grassroots standpoint. Register for the webinar here.

Hold Space for Native Voices - Watch DVAM Virtual Honor Song for Survivors on 10/7

Help honor the voices of Native women affected by domestic violence through song and prayers. In recognition of the national efforts to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the staff and board of the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center invites survivors of violence, tribal governments, Native communities, programs, and advocates to join our DVAM Virtual Honor Song for Survivors on Facebook Live on Wednesday, October 7 at 1 p.m. MT. Join us in holding space for Native voices by believing and supporting them on their journey to healing. Watch the event online on NIWRC's Facebook page. (Note: This virtual event will be pre-recorded.) View all of NIWRC's DVAM activities and resources on our Native DVAM Resource page here.

Virtual Run/Walk for Solidarity and Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

The Society of Indian Psychologists in collaboration with APA Division 18, Psychologists in Indian Country, APA Division 35, Alaska Native/American Indian/Indigenous Women are hosting a Virtual Run/Walk for Solidarity from October 11-17 as a way to unite Indigenous people and to honor missing and murdered Indigenous people. The virtual event allows participants to run or walk any distance of their choice at any time during the week. Those registered are encouraged to wear red for solidarity and awareness. You can register for the event here. 

You’re invited: Virtual Panel on How Indian Country is Addressing Intimate Partner Violence

Hosted by the University of Utah Gender-Based Violence Consortium and the SJ Quinney College of Law - University of Utah, the virtual discussion, “Reclaiming Our Values and Visibility in Indian Country: Native Americans Addressing Intimate Partner Violence,” will take place on October 15 at 3 p.m. MT. Guest speakers include Wendy Schlater, Vice Chair Woman of the La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians and Program Director of La Jolla's Avellaka Program; Dr. Leece Lee-Oliver (Blackfeet/Wyandot/Cherokee/Choctaw), Assistant Professor and Director of American Indian Studies; and Moroni Benally (Diné) Coordinator for Public Policy and Advocacy at Restoring Ancestral Winds, Inc. The virtual panel will be moderated by Dena Ned, Ph.D, Social Work, University of Utah. Register for the Zoom event here.

Receive Print Edition of Restoration of Native Sovereignty and Safety for Native Women

Are you subscribed to receive the print edition of NIWRC’s Restoration of Native Sovereignty and Safety for Native Women? Restoration is dedicated to informing tribal leadership and communities of emerging issues impacting the safety of Native women and reflects the grassroots strategy of strengthening the tribal sovereignty to hold perpetrators accountable to restore safety for Native women. This comprehensive resource is published three times a year. Individual and organizational annual print subscriptions are available, so subscribe now to receive our next edition coming in November. The magazine is also be published online. Support NIWRC’s work by signing up for a print subscription here.

What We're Reading...

• Indianz.com: Native Advocacy Organizations Release Joint Statement Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month This October
• Action on missing, murdered women legislation caps years of advocacy
• Savanna's Act addresses alarming number of missing or killed Native women
• Human trafficking conference goes virtual, expands reach
• Savanna's Act passes Congress, now onto Trump's desk
• Alaska Native women rally to search for missing woman
• Task Force for MMIW created
• Family, friends of Rosenda Strong mark two years since she disappeared, bring awareness of missing and murdered Native people
• Man sentenced for killing on Red Lake Indian Reservation
• Native America Calling: Domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic

Funding Opportunities and Information

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children & Families: 
  • Personal Responsibility Education Program Innovative Strategies (Estimated Post Date: 3/21/2021)
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children & Families: 
  • Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) Competitive Grants (Estimated Post Date: 3/21/2021)
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children & Families:
  • Family Violence Prevention and Services Discretionary Grants: Capacity Building Center on Safe and Supportive Housing for Domestic Violence Survivors in Tribal Communities (Tribal Safe Housing Center) (Estimated Post Date: 3/21/2021)