Resources

In 2005, the national movement for the safety of Native women led the struggle to include in the Violence Against Women Act a separate title for Native women called Safety for Native Women. One of the findings that justified creation of the title was that during the period of 1979 through 1992, homicide was the third-leading cause of death of Indian females aged 15 to 34, and 75 percent were killed by family members or acquaintances. Since that time, a study by the U.S. Department of Justice has found that in some tribal communities, American Indian women face murder rates that are more than 10 times the national average. Since 2005, there has been increased awareness of the pattern of the disappearance of Native women and the failure of the criminal justice system to adequately respond to the crisis. This webinar is designed to provide an overview and discussion of this crisis and the importance of increased public awareness. The Native Women’s Association of Canada will share lessons from its Sisters in Spirit awareness and organizing efforts. Terri Henry will share efforts and the importance of creating a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls in the United States.