This an excerpt regarding the work currently being done by the IWJI . We have reviewed this program and have found much merit in the work that is being done by these strong and passionate women. Without the reauthorization of the VAWA 1.6 billion dollars that is currently allocated to combating domestic violence nationally may be lost. We cannot afford to let this work go to waste. Please help us support this effort.
Indigenous Women’s Justice Institute (IWJI)
The work to end violence against Indian women is based on the premise that there must be a restoration of tribal governments’ inherent authority and jurisdiction to keep their citizens safe. The NCAI Task Force serves to unify elected tribal leadership, link tribal leadership with advocates working in the field, and create a vehicle for organizing and disseminating information. .In addition to participating in the NCAI Task Force and National Domestic and Sexual Violence Task Force, we collaborated to produce a magazine style booklet entitled “Restoration of Sovereignty, Restoration of Safety for Native Women”. This awareness tool provides information to Tribes and tribal leadership about the issue of violence against Indian women, suggests strategies and provides recommendations regarding potential federal remedies in response to domestic and sexual violence.
Advocates and Tribes are working together, receive the same information about the issues, and have the opportunity to discuss and develop a unified message to Congress. Previously, the result of this effort was the inclusion of Title IX, Safety for Indian Women, and increased federal resources focused on maximizing safety for local tribal women, increased resources for response, and federal institutional policy and practice reforms.
Need/Request
The passage of Title IX, Safety for Indian Women, in the current VAWA reauthorization reflects the successful collaboration of tribal leaders and advocates. Currently, tribal advocates are working in sub-committees to formulate recommendations to tribal leaders and Congress for inclusion in the next reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA 4). We anticipate ongoing VAWA 4 issues to include implementation issues related to Title IX, jurisdiction, increased sentencing authority for tribal courts, federal declination, state accountability, and the need to address epidemic levels of sexual assault. The Indigenous Women’s Justice Institute is also diligently working with tribal advocates and coalitions on the Tribal Law and Order Act since capacity building of tribal justice systems and remedies are integral to safety for Indian women and children experiencing violence. Likewise, other federal institutions are receiving funding through VAWA, including IHS and BIA, and IWJI needs to build its capacity to assist and monitor these implementation activities. The funding source that provided nominal financial support for this invaluable policy work is no longer available. We are seeking funds to continue the national policy work to increase the capacity of Indian Nations and tribal communities that will result in increased safety for Indian women.
The passage of Title IX, Safety for Indian Women in the 2005 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was a great victory for Indian Tribes and Indian women. Title IX brings unprecedented resources and flexibility in formulating strategies and responses to violence against Indian women. However, there is still much work to be done, especially in the area of jurisdiction, .The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) created a task force to support tribal leaders in the passage of VAWA reauthorization. The NCAI Task Force To End Violence Against Native Women is co-chaired by Juana Majel, a tribal council official from Pauma (CA) and Karen Artichoker (Oglala Lakota/HoChunk), Indigenous Women’s Justice Institute. The Task Force provides a vehicle for ongoing discussion and planning in preparation for continued legislative remedies to enhance the safety of Native women in the reauthorization of VAWA in 2011.
We are respectfully requesting $199,500 to continue national public policy and awareness efforts in preparing for the reauthorization of VAWA 4.
