The National Indigenous Women's Resource Center is thrilled to announce the 2025 Women Are Sacred (WAS) Conference will take place July 29-31, 2025, at the Baird Convention Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! One of the nation’s most inspiring and impactful gatherings, the Women Are Sacred Conference is a cornerstone in the movement to end violence against Native women and children. This powerful event brings together advocates, survivors, Tribal domestic and sexual violence programs, Tribal leadership, law enforcement, and Tribal court personnel—all united in the shared mission of creating safer, stronger Tribal communities.
Under this year's theme, "Committed to Our Relatives: Tradition in Our Hearts, Future in Our Hands," attendees will experience transformative training sessions, engage in meaningful networking opportunities, and learn from some of the most respected leaders, advocates, and experts driving change in Indian Country. Check back regularly to stay connected about the latest updates regarding the 2025 Women Are Sacred Conference! Registration will be opening soon.
“Native women have survived, Indian nations have
survived, because of our beliefs and teachings.”
–Tillie Black Bear
The Tillie Black Bear Women Are Sacred Award
Tillie Black Bear, Wa Wokiya Win, Sicangu Lakota, is known by many as the Grandmother of the Movement to end violence against women everywhere. Her advocacy and leadership to end violence against native women spanned almost four decades. This leadership resulted in the passage of the Violence Against Women Act, from 1994 to 2013. Tillie’s understanding of social change, organizing, movement building, and leadership seen through the lens of an indigenous perspective, are her living legacy.
Raised on the lands of her people, the Sicangu Lakota Nation, Tillie believed in the teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman. One of the first teachings White Buffalo Calf Woman brought to the Lakota people was that, even in thought, women are to be respected. This understanding was integral to her life way and work. Her relationships with women, survivors, and advocacy were rooted in Lakota culture. The understanding that we are all related guided her life and advocacy to end violence against indigenous women and their children.
Honoring Tillie’s Life Work
As we pause to reflect on Tillie’s life, the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center wishes to honor Tillie’s legacy through a biannual award to recognize outstanding grassroots advocates that exemplify the teachings and dedication that Tillie instilled in our movement to restore safety for Native women. We ask you to consider nominating an indigenous woman in the movement that advocates from a woman and survivor-centered, culturally grounded approach, is known for leadership in social change initiatives and uplifts our connections as relatives, and also works within a tribal/native community.
The nominee would exemplify culturally based, grassroots advocacy and leadership, and be an Indigenous woman who advocates primarily for and with Native women and other survivors within Native communities and/or organizations.
NIWRC staff and the Board of Directors are not eligible to be nominated for this award.
Nomination Process
- Online: To submit your nomination please use the Tillie Black Bear Women Are Sacred Award 2025 form.
- Please contact us if you would like assistance with this form.
Nominations must be received by Friday, June 20, 2025.
