NEWS
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April 12, 2021AKNWRC wanted to make you aware of this potential resource for victims and survivors of DV that are facing eviction notices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an eviction protection declaration. The CDC determined that evicting tenants at this time could create issues for the current public health measures to slow the spread of COVID. For more information and to see if you are eligible please go to: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/renter-protections/cdc-eviction-protections/ -
March 23, 2021VAWA Reauthorization is one step closer to being enacted. On March 17, 2021, the House of Representatives approved passage of H.R. 1620, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2021. This landmark act aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence, was originally enacted in 1994 and has gone through several expansions and struggles in the last 27 years. The current H.R. 1620 has several improvements, which the Senate will begin its deliberations on this week. The most important provision is the continued recognition of Tribal nations inherent sovereignty and right to hold persons accountable who perpetrate violence on Tribal citizens…
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February 2, 2021Across Indian Country, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) is an important opportunity to listen to and talk with youth and teens about healthy relationships and dating violence. As Native people, relationships represent our sacred connections with each other, grounded in the traditional understanding that ‘we are all related.’ However, we also know relationships are challenging and especially so for Native youth and teens that are exploring romantic relationships for the first time. As advocates, parents and teachers, it is important we listen to and center the needs of Native youth, providing safe, non-judgmental spaces for our young relatives to… -
October 14, 2020NEW! AKNWRC Domestic Violence FactSheet Check out our new resource! To view PDF: https://bit.ly/3lJOY08 -
October 8, 2020https://youtu.be/wkjoyWNYxmc Webinar Description The purpose of this webinar is to assist Alaska Tribes in getting prepared for the Annual 2020 VAWA Consultation. Presenters Debra O’Gara, Paula Julia, Mike Williams Presented on September 30, 2020 Presentation Slide Deck and Handouts: Tribal Leader Letter TConsultation 2020 Approved Final.9.24.2020 Combined Framing Papers Annual Consultation reports: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/tribal-consultation OVW’s grant programs are at https://www.justice.gov/ovw/grant-programs Restoration Magazine– Use this link to access the entire June Restoration Magazine (RM). The other issues included in this RM might be helpful to tribal leaders in preparing for the consultation, particularly the legislative updates (p 47–53). https://bit.ly/2YhS8Oy
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August 5, 2020Non-federal Moment August 5, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Debra O’Gara, AKNWRC Senior Policy Specialist 907–888-2666; debra.ogara@aknwrc.org Covid Precautions Make the Long Standing Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Worse Not one more missing, murdered Indigenous woman has been ringing throughout the country for many years. The voices of the mother, daughters, aunties and families left behind have finally been heard. Last week the Anchorage Daily News, NBC and several other mainstream media brought national attention to the violence faced by Native American and Alaska Native families. “The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women has been escalating for over 200 years. The current COVID situation…
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August 3, 2020U.S. Department of Justice New! The OVW Fiscal Year 2020 COVID-19/Violence Against Women Assistance to Tribes Solicitation is now available: Apply by: September 16, 2020 This solicitation allows tribes (and as applicable, tribal designees, tribal organizations, and tribal nonprofit organizations) to submit short, simplified applications for special funding under two OVW grant programs – Grants to Indian Tribal Governments Program and the Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program. Eligible applicants may apply to both programs covered by this solicitation, regardless of the status of current applications or awards under these programs. Applicants must submit a separate application for each program covered by this…
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July 23, 2020Jul 22, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Debra O’Gara, AKNWRC Senior Policy Specialist 907–888-2666; debra.ogara@aknwrc.org AKNWRC Stands with Tribal Chiefs Hill and Chilcoat to protect Native women through strengthening Tribal Sovereignty (Alaska, July 22, 2020)—The Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center (AKNWRC) stands in solidarity with Muscogee (Creek) Nation Chief David Hill’s and Seminole Nation Chief Greg Chilcoat’s decision to stand for sovereignty and safety for Native women which are being threatened by the Oklahoma Attorney General. On July 9, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a historic decision affirming the long-established treaty boundary of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The significance of the McGirt decision is that the…
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May 27, 2020Collecting and having accurate and reliable data available is an essential ingredient for increasing legislative protections, criminal prosecutions and setting up safeguards for Indigenous women, girls and boys. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) collects and reports on missing persons throughout the United States with the goal of having the data be shared across jurisdictions, Tribal and law enforcement agencies. https://www.namus.gov -
April 9, 2020We are worried for the safety of our relatives during this pandemic. We fear that there will be an increase in domestic violence due to social distancing and financial stress as discussed in this article quoting our Executive Director Tami Truett Jerue. If you need help and it is safe and possible please reach out. Many local hotlines are still available. The StrongHearts Native helpline is also available at 1–844-762‑8483. Article: https://www.arctictoday.com/why-domestic-violence-in-the-arctic-could-surge-with-the-coronavirus-pandemic/ -
April 3, 2020Webinar Description Many of Alaska’s domestic violence perpetrators, defendants of gun violence, rapists and other violent crimes go without consequence because our communities lack law enforcement. Due to this women are dying from unnatural causes or disappearing. NamUs and the Alaska Missing Person Clearinghouse collects information about missing persons and the circumstances in hopes that there will be some sort of resolution. Please join us to learn how to help strengthen the data for our missing relatives. Presenters: B.J. Spamer & Jessica Hager for the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)…
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June 11, 2019Please join us for this Symposium! More information to come. -
April 22, 2019Please join us for our annual Unity Meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to 1) inform tribal leaders about important legislative developments & priorities concerning domestic & sexual violence 2) provide information about organizing efforts of tribes & advocates at the local, regional, national & international levels to address the safety of Alaska Native women 3) engage Alaska tribal leadership & allies in discussing life-saving reforms in laws & procedures. Unity Mtg 2019 Save the Date Final -
April 18, 2019Come join us for our 2nd Annual Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Walk on May 1st in Fairbanks, Alaska! MMIW Awareness Walk Fairbanks 5.1.19 -
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March 28, 2019When a woman goes missing in our community, or dies unexpectedly and often from suspicious circumstances, our communities go through a series of emotions from grief to anger. We are sad for the loss of our loved ones and we often have so many questions and concerns and no place to turn for answers. We are concerned about where she might be and who can help us with answers. After days, weeks, months or even years go by without adequate answers, we are angered about why we are not getting the necessary help. The missing and murder of Indigenous… -
March 28, 2019Media Contacts: Princella RedCorn Communications Officer, NIWRC predcorn@niwrc.org Candy Keown Communications Coordinator AKNWRC candy.keown@aknwrc.org For Immediate Release March 25th, 2019 Fairbanks, AK- The Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center (AKWRNC) and the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) release this statement to offer prayers and support to the family of Sophie Sergie and encourage a state-wide call to action to address the issue of Missing and Murdered Native women and Girls. Because of mounting pressure from grassroots advocacy by Native women’s families, tribes, advocates and coalitions, justice systems focus on bringing resolution to cold cases like Sophie’s and help uplift the need for healing and honoring of these women’s and…
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March 26, 2019Good Afternoon! AKNWRC is forwarding you this important Consultation information. For more information please use the contact information provided in this email. Dear Tribal Leader: I write to invite you to the 21st U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Annual Tribal Budget Consultation (ATBC) which will take place April 23 – 24, 2019, at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building at 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. The annual consultation provides a forum for tribes to collectively engage with HHS officials to share their views, priorities, and recommendations with HHS officials on national health and human services funding priorities for the Department’s FY 2021 budget…
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March 12, 2019FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2019 Press Contact: Candy Keown Tel. (907) 378‑3339 candy.keown@aknwrc.org The House Introduces the Reauthorization of Violence Against Women, House Bill 1585 The Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center (AKNWRC) Today, the House introduced HR 1585 to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women’s Act (VAWA). The VAWA, originally enacted in 1994, was reauthorized in 2000, 2005 and most recently 2013. The introduction of this bill includes two important provisions specific to Alaska Native women that we hope will remain as the bill passes through the house. Section 901 recognizes the findings of the 2013 Law and Order Commission that in states with restrictive land settlement acts such…
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September 10, 2018SAVE THE DATE: UNITY MEETING Increasing the Safety of Alaska Native Women When: October 17, 2018 (9am-1pm) Where: Westmark in Anchorage, Alaska Who: Alaska Native village-based advocates / victim services, tribal leadership & community members Please register at: https://unitymeeting.eventbrite.com The purpose of this meeting is: Inform Tribal Leaders about important legislative developments & priorities concerning domestic & sexual violence Provide information about organizing efforts of tribes & advocates at the local, regional, national & international levels to address the safety of Alaska Native women Engage Alaska tribal leadership & allies in discussing life-saving reforms in laws & procedures For more information, please contact Tami Truett Jerue at tami.jerue@aknwrc.org,… -
August 31, 2017As was requested in the first quarterly call in June, we have set up the next quarterly call for September 6, 2017 at 11:00a.m. I am attaching a short agenda and a link for a webinar format. This will enable us to share information visually as well as through the phone. The short agenda includes the following: 1) Welcome and introductions (Darla & Tami) 2) OVW updates (Darla) 3) AK updates (Tami) 4) 2017 Annual Government-to-Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation Discussion (Sherriann, OVW Deputy Director Tribal Affairs Division) 5) Grantees Sharing/Q &A Register Here (https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2200587144924719875) Please register as you would for…
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June 2, 2017The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) invites Tribal Leaders to join the 2017 Annual Government-to-Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation. The purpose of this consultation is to solicit recommendations on enhancing safety for American Indian and Alaska Native women, strengthening the Federal response to the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking, and administering grant funds. The Department of Justice’s Annual Tribal Consultation will be open for registration soon. Please click here to view the Official Tribal Leader Invitation Letter. 2016 Annual Consultation Report We are happy to announce the 2016 Annual…
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May 11, 2017Targeting crime and other civil matters could become a lot easier for a handful of Native American tribes. Source: Justice Department expands program to combat crime on tribal lands (WASHINGTON, D.C.) The Federal Government is expanding a program that allows American Indian Tribes to access national criminal databases. The Metlakatla of Alaska are one of about ten tribes that will soon gain access to this resource. “We have some of highest crime rates in Alaska, in the villages,” said Michelle Demmert, a citizen of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska. Demmert is applauding a recent move by the Justice Department to expand…
