Sexual violence remains a crisis in Tribal communities, impacting Native women and relatives at alarmingly high rates. This Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) emphasizes the urgent need to recognize and address this devastating reality. Native women are 2.5 times more likely to experience sexual violence than other women in the U.S., and the majority of these assaults—at least 86%—are committed by non-Native perpetrators. By understanding prevention strategies, improving survivor support, and promoting healing pathways, we can collectively identify harmful patterns and protect future generations from trauma. Our message is clear: Sexual violence is not traditional— we support survivors.
If you need support, you are not alone. Reach out to the StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1-844-762-8483 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
SAVE THE DATE: 2025 National Week of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives
May 5-9, 2025
Each year, NIWRC, the National Partners Work Group on MMIW, and the MMIW Family Advisors join partners and allies across Indian Country to organize the National Week of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives—a powerful time to stand together, raise awareness, and demand justice.
The alarming rates of abduction and murder of Native women represent one of the most devastating impacts of the violence facing Tribal communities. On some reservations, Native women face murder rates more than ten times the national average.
More details will be shared soon. In the meantime, visit our MMIWR Awareness Hub to learn more, and follow NIWRC on social media for updates and ways to get involved. Join us in saying enough is enough— no more stolen sisters.
Submit a Workshop Proposal for the 2025 Women Are Sacred Conference
July 29-31, 2025, at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
As one of the nation’s earliest and largest gatherings dedicated to ending violence against Native women and communities, the 2025 Women Are Sacred Conference provides a unique platform for both established and emerging Indigenous leaders and experts to share knowledge and strategies for ending violence. The conference will feature training sessions, presentations, workshops, and keynote addresses on various topics designed to strengthen the capacity of Tribal Nations, domestic violence programs, and community-based services to provide effective interventions and prevention strategies. We anticipate more than 600 attendees at this year’s event!
The deadline to submit workshop proposals is April 21, 2025.
The Development Officer will play a vital role in advancing NIWRC’s mission by diversifying its non-federal funding base and cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, and funding partners. This role requires strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to create compelling narratives to secure funding that aligns with NIWRC’s culturally grounded and survivor-centered mission. The Development Officer will work closely with the Director of Communications to design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that ensures the organization’s financial sustainability and growth. To apply, email careers@niwrc.org with a completed NIWRC Employment Application, cover letter, resume, three writing samples, and two professional references.
The Data Specialist provides technology and data support on internal projects for teams and maintains external ARP-focused databases of resources for grantees, provides technology and data support on internal projects for teams and maintains external ARP-focused databases of resources for grantees. In this role, you will be responsible for collating and verifying data from multiple sources, reviewing existing databases and data storage systems for efficacy and efficiency, assisting with implementing data software storage systems and executing data transfers. You will also be required to train staff on data storage procedures. To apply, email careers@niwrc.org with a completed NIWRC Employment Application, cover letter, and resume.
MMIP Healing & Response Teams Pilot Site Application
The Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC) announced the launch of their pilot site application for the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons Healing & Response Teams (HRT) project in partnership with NIWRC and the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center (AKNWRC). The MMIP Healing & Response Teams Initiative focuses on MMIP cases intersecting with domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. The initiative aims to establish victim-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive pathways and to enhance intergovernmental coordination in cases of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Persons.
Staying healthy can already be difficult when leaving an abusive situation or while in a shelter, especially when basic hygiene items are hard to find. Feeling safe and supported shouldn’t be out of reach.
NIWRC’s free Bathing Bundles provide essential hygiene products alongside traditional medicines like cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, and sage—plants known for their grounding, cleansing, and protective qualities. These care packages help Native women and relatives feel cared for on their healing journey.
Uniting Communities, Strengthening Networks and Raising Awareness on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Access to Safe Housing for Native Survivors
April 16, 2025, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and an important time to raise awareness about sexual assault and the related issues of access to safe housing and shelter for survivors in Tribal Nations, Alaska Native Villages, and Native Hawaiian communities. This webinar will feature the important work of the Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC), highlighting its efforts to enhance the safety of women and children. We will discuss how building networks and strategizing with other organizations can lead to comprehensive, successful efforts in understanding and addressing the complex challenges survivors face, including housing insecurity, homelessness, and access to safe shelter. Join us for this engaging and informative session!
EVENT SAVE THE DATE: STTARS National Tribal Housing Justice Summit
June 26-27, 2025, at Berna Facio Professional Development Center
3315 Louisiana Blvd NE Albuquerque, New Mexico
Join the STTARS National Tribal Housing Justice Summit, where Tribal domestic violence advocates, community leaders, and housing experts gather for a two-day summit focused on strengthening housing access, increasing safe housing options, and justice for survivors. Together, we’ll explore best practices, policy solutions, and traditional approaches to ensure safe and stable housing for all our relatives.
This newsletter is supported by non-federal funds. Some activities, resources, and events mentioned here are federally funded through cooperative agreements with the Office of Family Violence Prevention Services (OFVPS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Federally funded content is marked accordingly with the relevant grant number and disclaimer.
National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, 12 Bowstring Street, Lame Deer, MT 59043, 406.477.3896
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