International Commission Hearing On Violence Against Native Women in the U.S.

Thank you Sarah Deer for posting this on CAVNET
Written by Administrator Thursday, 20 October 2011 09:28
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 19, 2011 email: jwalker@indianlaw.org International Commission Hearing On Violence Against Native Women in the U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The epidemic proportions of violence against Native women in the United States continues to gain global attention. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights will hold a hearing on Oct. 25, 2011 at 10:15 a.m. at the General Secretariat Building of the Organizations of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C. The Commission is an autonomous organ of the OAS, created by countries to protect human rights in the Americas. "The right to be safe and live free from violence is a fundamental human right that many in the United States take for granted---but not Native women," said Jana Walker, Director of the Safe Women, Strong Nation project at the Indian Law Resource Center. "This is a human rights crisis that Indian country has been aware of for some time. We are glad that the rest of the world is finally beginning to take notice." The Indian Law Resource Center along with the National Congress of American Indians Task Force on Violence Against Women, Clan Star, Inc., and the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, Inc. will present testimony. According to U.S. Department of Justice statistics, one out of three Native women will be raped in her lifetime, and three out of four will be physically assaulted. "Indian women also are 2 ½ times more likely to experience violence than other women in the United States and, even more shocking, the vast majority of these violent crimes are committed by non-Indians," said Juana Majel Dixon, First Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians and Co-Chair of the NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women. These shameful statistics are linked to systemic barriers imposed by United States law that prevents Indian nations from ensuring the safety of their citizens and adequately responding to crimes. Unlike local communities or state governments, Indian nations and Alaska Native villages are legally prohibited from prosecuting non-Indians, and tribal courts have greatly restricted sentencing authority for offenders committing acts of sexual and domestic violence that occur within their tribal lands and communities. "Jurisdictional restrictions, scarce resources for services to meet the needs of Native women especially those victimized by violence, and inadequate law enforcement responses all contribute to a flawed and unjust system," said Lucy Simpson, Executive Director, National Indigenous Women's Resource Center. "Few Native women have access to culturally appropriate services and meaningful justice. Even fewer will ever see their abusers prosecuted." "Mothers preparing daughters for what to do when they are raped is an outrageous reality that must end," said Terri Henry, Councilwoman for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Co-chair of the NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women. "There is no question that violence against Native women has reached epidemic proportions." "The only question is when and how the United States will respond to these violations of its obligations under international human rights law." The panel will discuss topics ranging from U.S. law and policy that contributes to the human rights crisis, the jurisdictional challenges between tribes and the federal government in protecting Native women, and what needs to happen to bring the United States into full compliance with international human rights law. The hearing is open to the public and can be viewed online through the Organization of American States' web site. ### Partner Organizations About the National Congress of American Indians (202) 466-7767, email: Katy_Jackman@NCAI.org The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest and largest national organization of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments. As the collective voice of tribal governments in the United States, NCAI is dedicated to ending the epidemic of violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women. In 2003, NCAI created the NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women to address and coordinate an organized response to national policy issues regarding violence against Indian women. The NCAI Task Force represents a national alliance of Indian nations and tribal organizations dedicated to the mission of enhancing the safety of American Indian and Alaska Native women. About Clan Star, Inc. Contact: Terri Henry (828) 497-5507 Clan Star, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in 2001, devoted to improving justice to strengthen the sovereignty of Indigenous women through legal, legislative, and policy initiatives, and, education and awareness. Clan Star provides technical assistance, training, and consultation throughout the United States to Indian tribes and tribal organizations in the development of public policy strategies addressing violence against women. For more information, visit www.clanstar.org. About the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center Contact: Lucy Simpson, Executive Director Email: lsimpson@niwrc.org The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) is a nonprofit organization that provides technical assistance, policy development, training, materials, and resource information for Indian and Alaska Native women, Native Hawaiians, and Native non-profit organizations addressing safety for Native women. The NIWRC's primary mission is to restore safety for Native women. For more information, visit www.niwrc.org. About the Indian Law Resource Center email: jwalker@indianlaw.org The Indian Law Resource Center is a non-profit law and advocacy organization established and directed by American Indians. The Center is based in Helena, Montana and also has an office in Washington, DC. We provide legal assistance to Indian and Alaska Native nations who are working to protect their lands, resources, human rights, environment, and cultural heritage. Our principal goal is the preservation and well-being of Indian and other Native nations and tribes. For more information, visit www.indianlaw.org.

 

Strengthening Our Nations: A Gathering for Onkwehón:we Men

Hosted by: Kononkwe Council and Native Youth Sexual Health Network   

Friday November 11th, 2011 8am to 5pm

Akwesasne Mohawk Nation Territory, Tsionkwanatiio Cultural Heritage Grounds, Rt 37C

Calling forth discussion in men’s health, cultural teachings and ceremony

A Gathering for Both Men and Women interested in Men’s Wellness

Encouraging Peace between Men and Women

The women of our nations will provide a positive gathering for Onkwehon:we men to support wellness, encourage growth, continue a spiritual way of life, and construct a vision of wholeness for our families and communities.

Knowledgeable Men & Women Speakers will harvest the discussions.

PRESENTERS: Curtis Nelson, Onento:kon Treatment Center: “Men & Addiction”

Teyowisote Thomas Deer, Kanawake Cultural Center: “Traditional Roles of Men”

Beverly Cook, St Regis Mohawk Health Services: “Creation Story”

DJ Danforth, Oneida Nation Wisconsin “Healthy Relationships - Onkwehonwe style!"

Dr Peter Ladd, Tekanikonrawa:kon WHW “Men in Today’s Society”

Harry Snowboy, Jo Jo Francis, Joey David – “Spiritual Health”

& more to be announced!

Registration fee: $50.00

“Register and Enjoy a Wild Game & Garden Feast”

Men’s Sweat Lodge will take place in the evening

Call Louise McDonald at (315) 705-3192 or email iakoiane@yahoo.com

The New National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc.

From my email, some great news:

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I am excited to announce that the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc. (NIWRC) is the next National Indian Resource Center Addressing Domestic Violence and Safety for Indian Women.  Beginning this month, through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the NIWRC will begin providing technical assistance and training, policy development, public education, and materials and resource information for Indian and Alaska Native nations, Native Hawaiians, and Native non-profit organizations addressing safety for Native women. We are excited to help provide national leadership to end violence against Native women through important partnerships with the National Congress of American Indians Task Force on Violence Against Women, the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women, the Domestic Violence Resource Network, numerous Indian nations, national Indian organizations, tribal coalitions, other national organizations addressing violence against women, and Native women’s advocates. 

We have a truly outstanding Board of Directors from across the nation to ensure that our work remains true to supporting and upholding Native grassroots advocacy and social change to address violence against Native women.  On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, I look forward to working with you and others as we begin our journey forward as the next National Indian Resource Center.  Please let us know how we may be able to support your efforts at enhancing safety of Native women in your communities.  

Stay tuned for email blasts with information regarding upcoming activities, including training, webinars, and technical assistance and resource material availability. 

Ahéhee',

 

Lucy Simpson, Esq.

Executive Director

National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, Inc.

lsimpson@niwrc.org