Thank You for Joining Us for the 2025 Women Are Sacred Conference!
Two weeks ago, more than 650 advocates, relatives, and partners from across Indian Country gathered in Milwaukee for the 2025 Women Are Sacred Conference. Together, we shared powerful moments of learning, healing, and connection— centered on the vital work of safety, sovereignty, and justice for Native women and communities. With dynamic breakout sessions, inspiring speakers, and meaningful conversations around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives, the conference reaffirmed our collective commitment to lead this movement from within. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make #WAS2025 a memorable and energizing step forward.
Were you at WAS 2025? We’d love your feedback! The post-event survey is open for attendees to share their experiences and ideas to help us improve future conferences.
Preparing for DVAM: Tribal Coalitions Talk about Advocacy, Futures, and Ending DV in Tribal Communities from 2025 - 2026
August 20, 2025, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. MT
Every October, domestic violence (DV) awareness is observed nationally to raise public understanding of the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV). Tribal programs and Native advocates nationwide turn their attention to this critical human rights issue that impacts all Native communities and Tribal Nations. This webinar is a panel discussion on the significance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and how it affects programming and advocacy year-round. The panel will also review how they follow up on post-DVAM events, what that process may involve, and how it strengthens advocacy. Lastly, Tribal coalitions will share stories of their successes and challenges and how they use those experiences to enhance efforts for the coming year and prepare for DVAM 2026.
NIWRC to Host Pre-Webinar for 20th Annual Office on Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation
September 10, 2025, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. MT
Please join the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center as we summarize national concerns and emerging issues for Tribal leaders and representatives to consider in preparation for the 20th Annual Government-to-Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation. For more information, visit NIWRC’s Consultation Hub.
Save the Date: 20th Annual Government-to-Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation
October 28-30, 2025, Prior Lake, Minnesota
The Office on Violence Against Women will host the 20th Annual Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women later this year on October 28-30 in Prior Lake, Minnesota. This annual consultation provides an opportunity for elected Tribal Leaders or their designees to offer recommendations on improving the federal response to violence against Native women. Additional information—including registration, hotel, and travel logistics—will be posted soon at www.OVWConsultation.org. For general questions, contact:
NIWRC invites Tribal domestic violence victim services advocates, Tribal leaders, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) victim-survivors to share their stories through written narratives, capturing lessons learned, challenges faced, successes achieved, and the lived experiences of victim-survivors in Indian Country. These collective narratives will serve as a foundation for shaping meaningful recommendations, identifying resource needs, and supporting the development and sustainability of Tribal domestic violence programs. Submissions can be anonymous, and no identifying info will be shared. Your story may help uplift the voices of Native survivors and shape meaningful change.
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. Preference is given to Tribal shelters and programs. These bundles are offered at no cost and are available while supplies last.
Building Safe and Supportive Housing Pathways: Centering Prevention, Mental Wellness, and Survivor Strength
August 13, 2025, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. MT
Survivors of domestic violence show tremendous strength as they navigate complex realities—including housing instability, behavioral health needs, and healing from trauma. Mental health and substance use challenges are often intertwined with experiences of violence, and when systems are not equipped to respond with care, survivors can face increased vulnerability. This webinar will explore how we can center prevention-focused, healing-centered, and wellness-based approaches, prioritizing mental wellness and housing stability in Tribal communities. Participants will gain insight into reinforcing their advocacy with strategies rooted in compassion, traditional wisdom, harm reduction, and survivor-led care. Advocates, housing providers, and behavioral health professionals will gain tools to support survivors through a holistic lens that integrates prevention, wellness, and community support. Together, we’ll examine how Tribal systems can better respond to co-occurring conditions while promoting resilience, belonging, and long-term safety.
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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