Restoration Magazine

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) congratulates Lily Gladstone as an honoree of the Variety’s Power of Women 2023 award.

This year, Lily Gladstone was among five women in entertainment honored for their work as advocates. As part of this event, each honoree chooses to highlight the work of a non-profit organization or charity with which they share a special connection, showcasing their mission and collaboration as part of the ceremony. With a humble heart, we express gratitude to our sister, Lily, for seizing this moment to uplift NIWRC as part of this year’s Power of Women Award.

In 2011, our relationship with Lily began through her participation in a workshop where she led Native youth through “acting as activism” workshops in Montana. Unbeknownst to us at the time, this workshop became the catalyst for her crossing paths with playwright and NIWRC Legal Counsel Mary Kathryn Nagle and later, accomplished writer and director Erica Tremblay, who would cast her in future productions. This serendipitous connection with Lily serves as a poignant illustration of the interwoven connections within our Native communities. It highlights the profound impact that shared advocacy spaces, such as workshops and task forces, can have on fostering collaboration and unity.

As Lily reminds us, art is a powerful catalyst for social awareness and change. We are so grateful to Lily for not merely raising awareness of NIWRC, but also the MMIW crisis, the connection between land and body violence, the value of our Native women and children, and the ongoing need to not only improve the response to violence against Native women but also to center prevention work.

“Native women, four out of five in our lifetimes, will experience some form of violence at the hands of a romantic partner,” Gladstone said during her acceptance speech. “One thing that NIWRC is doing is bringing these stories forward of survivors in front of lawmakers, in front of Congress, in front of people who have the power to enact real change, to give our people just what we need to protect ourselves — bare minimum.”

We are deeply grateful and humbled upon receiving recognition for our work to end violence against Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women; however, we must always remember that our impact is strengthened by partnerships with grassroots advocates and organizations. Together, we work to address the systemic changes that are needed so that our Native sisters and relatives can live their lives free from violence, such as safe housing, economic security, childcare, healthcare, legal services, and perpetrator accountability.

The voices and leadership of survivors of violence and grassroots advocates are at the root of organizing for social, cultural, and legal changes. NIWRC would not be here if it were not for stronghearted advocates providing direct services and support to survivors and their families.

Our appreciation forever extends to our partners, without whom we could not serve effectively. 

We are proud also to share a list of this year’s recipients and their chosen charities. Please take a moment to learn about these organizations:
• Fantasia Barrino, Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, actress, and NYT best-selling author, highlighted the work of Salute 1st Global.
• Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer-songwriter Billie Eilish brought awareness to Support+Feed’s dedication to combating food insecurity and the climate crisis.
• Academy Award-nominated actress Carey Mulligan spoke about her work with War Child UK and Children in Conflict, an organization protecting children from the brutal impact of conflict-stricken areas.
• Rising star Lily Gladstone highlighted the work of the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, which aids in ending violence against American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women.
• The Producer of the Year Award was presented to LuckyChap for its continued commitment to championing female storytellers and filmmakers, strong female characters, and opportunities for female HODs across every facet of production.
• Power of Women Alumni Award to Emily Blunt for her work with the American Institute for Stuttering.