At the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC), our mission to restore safety and sovereignty for Native women and communities is grounded in values passed down through generations: community, care, and responsibility. That commitment includes honoring the dignity and well-being of all our relatives.
This Pride Month, we reflect on those teachings, especially as they relate to relatives who have long held sacred roles in our communities and may have been pushed to the margins of support. Across Tribal Nations and throughout Indian Country, we are reminded that caring for one another—across generations and walks of life—is traditional. As we continue to support Tribal programs and advocates working to end violence, we remain committed to building a world where every voice is protected and every relative is seen.
2025 Women Are Sacred Conference
July 29–31, 2025, at the Baird Convention 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 Native 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.
To carry forward the life work of Tillie Black Bear (Sicangu Lakota), NIWRC presents the Tillie Black Bear Women Are Sacred Award every two years at the Women Are Sacred Conference. This award honors an advocate who embodies the spirit and teachings Tillie brought to the movement—someone who leads from a survivor-centered, community-driven approach and is dedicated to creating lasting change within Tribal communities. We invite you to nominate someone who demonstrates:
Community-driven, grassroots advocacy
Leadership in survivor-centered social change
Commitment to restoring safety and honoring relationships among relatives
The Coalition for Tribal Sovereignty (CTS) is a collaborative effort among national and regional Tribal organizations working to engage federal policymakers on key issues affecting Tribal Nations, communities, and citizens. This collective space helps support Tribal self-determination and advances policy efforts that impact the safety and well-being of Native women and families. Stay connected with NIWRC and other CTS partners as we continue this vital advocacy to uphold sovereignty and end violence in Tribal communities.
NIWRC’s Tribal Resource Directory (TRD) is a vital tool to bridge the gap between Tribal communities and essential resources. By consolidating these resources in one accessible location, NIWRC simplifies the process of connecting Tribal communities with life-saving support and services. Each resource was carefully vetted for relevance as a Tribal resource and up-to-date contact, location, and website information. This tool is a vital part of NIWRC’s broader commitment to promoting the well-being of Tribal communities by supporting survivors and encouraging collaboration among organizations with shared values.
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.
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.
Thursday, June 26-27, 2025, at Berna Facio Professional Development Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico
This June, join Tribal domestic violence advocates, community leaders, and housing experts 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. To view the agenda-at-a-glance, hotel details, and more, visit the event webpage.
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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