March 2023
The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) and our STTARS Indigenous Safe Housing Center recognize March as Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are commonly seen, discussed, and researched among combat veterans, football players, and other athletes. Yet, it has now been estimated that the number of women who have experienced TBI secondary to domestic violence (DV) is 11–12 times greater than those experienced by military personnel and athletes combined.[1] Basic information and resources are provided to assist in this important learning journey. Read the full statement here.
Explore the February 2023 Issue of Restoration Magazine!
Subscribe for a print issue!
In this issue:
Photo credit Department of Interior
Not Invisible Act Commission
The first in-person plenary session of the Not Invisible Act Commission met at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C. Read the full press release on the Department of Justice website.
“The Commission is developing recommendations through the work of six subcommittees focused on improving intergovernmental coordination and establishing best practices for state, Tribal and federal law enforcement to bolster resources for survivors and victim’s families, and combatting the epidemic of missing persons, murder and trafficking of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples, as specified under the law.”
Tillie Black Bear Women Are Sacred Seasonal Healing Camp: Planting Seeds in the Community - DATE CHANGED TO APRIL 5
Tillie Black Bear (Sicangu Lakota) is considered the grandmother of the movement to end violence against Indigenous women, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. Tillie also organized and hosted healing camps to support the healing process for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and talk about their stories in a space that was supportive and safe. It is in this spirit that NIWRC is pleased to continue Tillie’s legacy by offering seasonal virtual healing camp sessions. Our next healing camp will take place on APRIL 5 at 1:00 p.m. via zoom. Register here.
Indigenous Leadership to End Violence from a Woman’s Perspective
During this webinar, we will discuss the importance of Indigenous Women in Leadership in ending intimate partner violence (IPV) against our Indigenous relatives. We will take a glimpse into the host of roles Indigenous women fulfill in strengthening and protecting communities. Wednesday, March 15, 1 - 2:30 pm. Register here.
Knowledge Keeper Prophecies: Teachings and Storytelling to Guide Values-Based Responses to Crisis and Disasters
In this webinar, we will hear from valued Knowledge Keepers of 3 different Tribal Nations on prophecies, teachings, and stories that support their communities in regaining perspective on what actions to take during this time of great turmoil as the new world struggles to be born. Friday, March 17, 12 - 2 pm. Register here.
COVID-19 Update
Greetings Relatives,
This month, we saw a surge of viral illnesses impacting the entire U.S. The week of February 27th, 2023 at least 2,407 people died of Covid-19 nationally and transmission rates remain high with 92.64 percent of the population living in areas of high community spread with XBB 1.5 (Kraken) making up 85 percent of cases.
Covid has disproportionately impacted Indigenous communities. The rates of caregiver loss for American Indian and Alaska Native children lost caregivers at rates about 3.5 times the rate of White children and more than 10 times those of White children in Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah. You can read more here on the Hidden Pain Report which includes resources and recommendations.
Dante Desiderio, Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians
“The heartbreaking truth is that American Indian and Alaska Native children have the highest rates of caregiver loss in the nation stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. We need a comprehensive effort to support these children and their families as they work to navigate such difficult times.”
With the pandemic emergency allotments beginning in early March 32 states are set to cut food-stamp benefits. More here on what happens when Covid-19 Emergency Declarations end.
A new wastewater study showed even a small increase in the proportion of people wearing masks at elementary schools in one California county significantly reduced the chance of a case.
Take Action
Action Network: Write a Letter to Help End the Long Covid Crisis
Upcoming Events
Join us Friday, March 17 from 12-2 p.m. MDT for Knowledge Keeper Prophecies: Teachings and Storytelling to Guide Values-Based Responses to Crisis and Disasters
In this webinar we will hear from valued Knowledge Keepers, Kathy Sanchez, Faith Spotted Eagle, and Beatrice Norton of three different Tribal Nations on prophecies, teachings, and stories that support their communities in regaining perspective on what actions to take during this time of great turmoil as the new world struggles to be born. The ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the climate crisis have called upon leaders to turn to original teachings to protect our people and lands. In this storytelling session, we hope to inspire leaders, advocates, and decision-makers to look to the original instructions and values in their stories and languages as guides to planning and responding to challenges that impact entire Nations.
Best Ways To Protect Yourself
- Wearing a high-quality, well-fit mask like an N95, KN95, or KF94 (fits best for small faces) or a clear N95 for accessibility.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations (bivalent Vaccine Boosters are now authorized for children 6 months and older).
- Wash hands and clean surfaces as RSV lives on surfaces longer than flu and COVID-19.
- Plan for ways to obtain Paxlovid or other COVID-19 treatments.
- Support your immune system by eating traditional foods and herbs rich in vitamins and nutrients and talk to your health care about supplementing with Zinc, vitamin C, Vitamins D3, K2, and Magnesium.
- Water is our first medicine, stay hydrated, ground yourself using traditional medicines, and pray for our collective health and the protection of our little ones, who are heavily impacted at this time.
Best Ways To Protect and Educate Your Community
Learn More About the Impact of SARS-CoV-2
Helpful Tips on Airborne Virus Transmission Prevention
In the News
Funding Opportunities
-
U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women
-
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children & Families
-
The Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, Office on Violence Against Women, and Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services
Policy Updates
Upcoming Events
