Register for 12/10 Webinar, 'Reflections on the Movement'

This NIWRC webinar brings together long-time, nationally renowned advocates Karen Artichoker, Rita Smith, and Barbara Hart to talk about the early years of the movement to end violence against women, and the culturally centered teachings of Tillie Black Bear that continue to influence indigenous advocates to this day. The work of all three of these women began before the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (1984), so their voices bring a grassroots activist perspective that is often missing but integral to advocacy and social change. Their relationships with each other, and their collaborations impacted, among other initiatives, the creation of the Violence Against Women Act, particularly the inclusion of Native women on a national level, creating a foundation that Native advocates stand upon today. This webinar is a personal and historical information conversation. Tillie’s lessons continue on through the sharing of her stories and life’s work. Register here for this inspirational event

Save-the-Date! Virtual Specialty Institute - January 12-14, 2021

We are pleased to announce the NIWRC Specialty Institute will take place virtually January 12-14, 2021. Victim/Survivors of domestic violence with mental health issues face significant safety and confidentiality challenges. Domestic violence can have a profound negative impact on a persons’ mental well-being, which can lead to depression, anxiety and even suicide. At the same time, domestic violence survivors are often reluctant to reach out for help out of fear of stigma or judgment or not being believed. People with pre-existing mental health issues are highly vulnerable and often targeted for abuse. The purpose of this NIWRC Specialty Institute is to advance the discussion in our communities to improve our response to domestic violence and mental health concerns. (Note: This description is subject to change.) Please save-the-date for this upcoming training opportunity. More details including agenda and registration coming soon.

Seeking Nominations for Leaders in the Field of Domestic Violence

In recognition of Native American leadership in the field of domestic, dating and sexual violence, StrongHearts Native Helpline is seeking candidates for our blog series featuring individuals making a difference in Indian Country. If you would like to be featured or want to nominate someone to be featured, please complete a nomination form here. Thank you!

New Report: Culture as Protective Factor to Prevent Trafficking Among All Indigenous Youth 

This recommendations report was developed by fellows of the 2019–2020 Human Trafficking Leadership Academy (HTLA) Class 5 organized through the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center (NHTTAC), Center for Native American Youth (CNAY), and Coro Northern California. Fellows were recruited nationally (exclusive to those with an Indigenous background) with diverse professional backgrounds, cultures, traditions, and expertise, including survivor leaders, and worked together to develop recommendations on how culture could serve as a protective factor in preventing trafficking among Native youth. These fellows worked together to respond to the following question “How can culture be a protective factor in preventing trafficking among all Indigenous youth?” The fellowship is funded by the Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) and the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). View the report here.

Webinars for Sex Trafficking in Indian Country Advocacy Curriculum - Register Now

The Tribal Law and Policy Institute (TLPI) in coordination with Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC) is hosting a webinar series presenting Sex Trafficking in Indian Country: Advocacy Curriculum. The Sex Trafficking in Indian Country: Advocacy Curriculum is designed to introduce information on sex trafficking of Native people, covering topics such as the definition of sex trafficking, red flags, trafficker tactics, screening for sex trafficking, and advocacy roles and responsibilities. Registration is open for two webinars scheduled for this month:

• Wednesday, December 9: Unit 4 - Legal Advocacy, Part I
• Wednesday, December 23: Unit 4 - Legal Advocacy, Part I

All webinars will begin at 10:00am AKT/11:00am PT/12:00pm MT/1:00pm CT/2:00pm ET. For more information and to download the curriculum, visit www.tribaltrafficking.org.

Upcoming Webinar - Identifying and Responding to Stalking

Stalking is a prevalent, dangerous and often misunderstood crime. This December 14th webinar explores the dynamics of stalking, focusing on the highly contextual nature of the crime by discussing common tactics used by perpetrators, stalking’s co-occurrence with domestic and sexual violence as well as tools to plan for victim safety and hold offenders accountable. The webinar will also address stalking in tribal communities and tribal codes used to charge stalking offenders. Hosted by the National Indian Country Training Initiative, this webinar is being offered as part of a multi-agency effort focused on the issue of missing or murdered indigenous persons. Register for the webinar here.

What We're Reading...

• A pathway toward ending the legacy of violence against Native women
• Seeing Red: The Color of the Spirits
• These Native American women are claiming the space they deserve in art and history
• Breaking barriers: Native women and the 2020 election 
• Tribes eye program to address missing Native Americans
• Sitka Tribe of Alaska offers legal support for victims of domestic violence
• Fort Totten man sentenced for sexually abusing an incapacitated person
• New project focuses on missing and murdered cases as Indian Country prepares for change in administration
• 'Just too late' - missing and murdered Indigenous women task force gets off to slow start

Funding Opportunities and Information

• U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women: 
  • Justice for Families Program Solicitation (Deadline: 1/25/2021)
• 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)